The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Tuesday warned of a severe cyclonic storm which is likely to cross the coast between Puri and Sagar Island in Odisha and West Bengal, on the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25. The forecast stated that cyclone Dana will make a landfall between October 23 and 25 along the coasts of the two states, with expected wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.
The low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining northern Andaman Sea moved northwestwards and currently lay as a well-marked low-pressure area over east-central Bay of Bengal as of 11:30 am on October 21.
Monday’s well-marked low-pressure area over east-central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression, and lay at 12 am UTC (5.30 am IST), about 730 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 770 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal). It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23, the IMD said in its statement.
“Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning,” it said.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has advised farmers to step up the paddy harvesting process, which is in the ripening stage, to avoid any damage to crops. For the state, the IMD has recommended the “total suspension of fishing operations from October 23 to 25 over northern Bay of Bengal”, as well as “judicious regulation of onshore/offshore, port and maritime activities including shipping, (and) surface transport including railways, roadways, and ferry services.”
Indian Coast Guard prepares for Cyclone Dana
“The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is on high alert, with its dedicated personnel and assets ready to provide assistance, rescue, and relief operations. The ICG remains committed to ensuring the safety of the maritime community and mitigating the risks posed by Cyclone Dana,” read a statement by the ICG.
Among other measures, the ICG has reportedly deployed helicopters and remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip to broadcast regular weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners. Additionally, Coast Guard personnel are reportedly working in coordination with local administrations and disaster management authorities. Fishing communities have been informed through “various channels”, including village heads, to avoid venturing into the sea.