Cyclone Dana: 20 NDRF teams deployed in Odisha, 17 in West Bengal; 170,000 evacuated ahead of landfall
Times of India | 24 October 2024
NDRF intensifies preparations for Cyclone Dana's landfall, deploying 20 teams in Odisha and 17 in West Bengal. Over 170,000 people evacuated in Odisha with the Bhadrak district expected to be hardest hit. NEW DELHI: NDRF deputy inspector general Mohsen Shahedi announced on Thursday that 20 teams are deployed in Odisha and 17 teams in West Bengal as preparations intensify for the landfall of severe cyclonic storm Dana. More than 170,000 people in affected areas of Odisha have already been evacuated.
Speaking to the media, DIG Shahedi confirmed, "Today, Cyclone Dana has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.
It is expected to make landfall around midnight or tomorrow morning. Our 20 teams are positioned in Odisha and 17 teams in West Bengal.
" He emphasized that the Bhadrak district of Odisha is likely to be the hardest hit, with ten coastal districts facing significant threats.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reassured the public of the government's preparedness. "All concerned departments are ready to tackle any situation arising from Cyclone Dana's landfall," he stated. He also mentioned that senior officials, including the Chief Minister and other ministers, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure effective responses without causing panic.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Dr. Mrityunjay Mohapatra indicated that the most severe impacts will be felt in Odisha, followed by West Bengal's coastal regions. He noted that Cyclone Dana is currently centered about 200 km southeast of Odisha and has moved north-northwestward.
Heavy rainfall is expected across south Jharkhand following the cyclone's landfall, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h in Jharkhand and 50 to 60 km/h in interior districts of Odisha on October 24 and 25.
Earlier, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a high-level meeting to assess the state's preparedness for Cyclone Dana. Officials, including the Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, were present to review the response strategy.
In addition to the state’s efforts, the Indian Navy is also preparing for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact along the coast of Odisha and West Bengal. Evacuations began earlier today in Dhamara and Bhadrak, with residents being moved to cyclone shelters for their safety.