New Delhi: Cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ brewing in the Bay of Bengal, is showing signs of becoming a severe storm as it races towards the Odisha coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rain, high-velocity winds, and turbulent seas in several coastal areas. The storm is currently moving northwest at a speed of 13 km/h and is expected to bring widespread disruption along the eastern seaboard of India.
Odisha Prepares for Impact: Schools Shut, Evacuations Underway
Odisha is on high alert as Cyclone Dana edges closer, with the potential to wreak havoc in districts like Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Puri, and Keonjhar. The storm could trigger wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour in these regions. In response, the Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges across 14 districts, while thousands of residents in low-lying coastal areas have been evacuated to safer locations.
Local authorities are urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as high waves and storm surges are expected along the coastline. Fishing operations have been suspended, and ports have been advised to remain on high alert. The IMD has also warned that the storm could cause extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes.
Widespread Impact Across Eastern India
The effects of Cyclone Dana are not limited to Odisha. Neighboring states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu are also bracing for heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days. Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly in West Bengal, along with Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh, are likely to experience severe weather. The IMD has issued alerts for these states, advising residents to prepare for possible flooding, waterlogging, and power outages.
Several areas in Odisha and West Bengal are already experiencing powerful winds and rainfall as Dana approaches the coast. The storm is expected to bring relentless rains to Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Kerala by October 26, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Kerala for the next two days.
Delhi’s Weather Update: Cooler Mornings, Clear Skies Predicted
While Cyclone Dana grips the eastern states, Delhi is seeing a gradual dip in temperatures. Although daytime heat persists, mornings and nights are beginning to feel cooler, with light fog forming in some areas. The IMD predicts clear skies for the national capital on October 25, but cooler weather is expected to set in after Diwali, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 33°C.
Rain Forecast for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Other States
As Dana continues its advance, parts of northern coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are likely to see rain from Friday onwards, with a three-day wet spell forecasted. The IMD has also predicted showers in Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Kerala on October 26. With the storm showing no signs of slowing, over seven states could feel its impact, with the possibility of widespread damage in cyclone-prone areas.
Authorities are urging residents across affected states to stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and avoid venturing into flood-prone zones until the storm passes.
