Severe Cyclonic Storm “Dana” Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal: Red Alert Issued for Odisha and West Bengal

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert as Cyclonic Storm “Dana” intensifies over the central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal.

The IMD forecasts that “Dana” will continue to strengthen and is expected to cross the coasts of northern Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island, near Bhitarkanika and Dhamara, during the night of October 24 to the morning of October 25. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 100-110 km/h, with gusts of up to 120 km/h.

Forecast and Intensity

The following updates on the storm’s trajectory and expected wind speeds have been issued:

• October 23, 11:30 PM: Wind speeds of 85-95 km/h, gusting to 105 km/h (Severe Cyclonic Storm)
• October 24, 5:30 AM: Wind speeds of 95-105 km/h, gusting to 115 km/h
• October 24, 11:30 AM: Wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h
• October 24, 5:30 PM: Wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h
• October 25, 5:30 AM: Wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h (Cyclonic Storm)
• October 25, 11:30 PM: Wind speeds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h (Depression)

Rainfall and Wind Warnings

Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in various districts:

• Odisha: Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsingpur, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khurda, and Puri on October 24-25.
• West Bengal: South & North 24 Parganas, East & West Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura on October 24-25.

Wind: Gale force winds are likely across different regions:

• Eastcentral Bay of Bengal: Gale winds currently at 85-95 km/h are expected to increase to 95-105 km/h by the morning of October 24.
• Northwest Bay of Bengal: Gale winds will increase from 85-95 km/h to 100-110 km/h by October 25.

Storm Surge Warning

The IMD has warned of a storm surge of 1.0 to 2.0 meters above astronomical tide, which may inundate low-lying areas in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts of Odisha, as well as East Medinipur in West Bengal. A surge of 0.5 to 1.0 meters is likely in South 24-Parganas, West Bengal, and Jagatsinghpur, Odisha.

Sea Conditions and Fishermen Advisory

Sea conditions are expected to be very rough, making fishing operations unsafe. Fishermen are advised against venturing into the Bay of Bengal from October 24-25. All fishing activities are to be suspended in the Central and North Bay of Bengal during this period.

Expected Impact and Precautionary Measures

Residents in affected districts should prepare for:

• Damage to thatched houses, uprooting of trees, and disruption of power and communication lines.
• Flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas, affecting transport and visibility.
• Localized landslides and riverine flooding in catchment areas.

Authorities recommend:

• Moving coastal hutment dwellers to safer locations.
• Residents in vulnerable areas should remain indoors and avoid travel unless necessary.
• Following traffic advisories and monitoring updates on road conditions.