Kolkata: As Cyclone ‘Dana’ intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, the West Bengal government has ramped up disaster preparedness to mitigate its effects. The cyclone, originating from the Andaman Sea, is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to evolve into a severe cyclonic storm by October 25. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a series of precautionary measures, including the closure of all primary and secondary schools in nine districts from Wednesday, October 23, to October 26, as a safety measure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier warned that the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal transformed into a deep depression on Tuesday morning. It is projected to escalate into a cyclonic storm today, October 23, and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by October 25, potentially impacting the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha.
Disaster Preparedness in Full Swing
Chief Minister Banerjee emphasized the state’s readiness to face the cyclone, stating that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are already deployed. Integrated control rooms at both state and district levels have been set up and are operating 24/7 to monitor the situation and coordinate disaster response. Officials at Kolkata airport are also on high alert, preparing for possible disruptions to air traffic.
“Our government is fully prepared to deal with the cyclone. Control rooms are active round the clock, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea,” said CM Banerjee. She also instructed District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in the affected areas to closely monitor the situation until normalcy is restored.
Vulnerable Districts Brace for Impact
The cyclone is expected to hit the coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, and surrounding areas the hardest. Neighboring districts, including West Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly, are also likely to experience heavy rains and strong winds. As a precaution, schools in these regions will remain closed until October 26. “We don’t want to take any risks,” said Banerjee, stressing the importance of safety. Schools and colleges may also be used as temporary shelters for those evacuated from vulnerable areas.
Mass Evacuations Underway
In anticipation of Cyclone Dana’s arrival, the West Bengal government has already evacuated approximately 1.5 lakh people from high-risk areas, including Digha, East Medinipur, and South 24 Parganas. These residents have been moved to safer locations as the storm approaches. Additionally, 198 trains have been canceled in the state to ensure the safety of passengers.
Government Notification and Precautionary Measures
According to an official notification issued by the state government, schools will remain closed in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly, and Kolkata from October 23 to October 26. This decision aims to minimize risks and prepare the state for the cyclone’s potential devastation.
With Cyclone Dana set to make landfall soon, the West Bengal government’s swift actions reflect its determination to minimize the impact of the storm and ensure the safety of its citizens.
