Cyclone Dana Intensifies, NDRF Deploys Teams

As Cyclone Dana intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 37 teams across Odisha and West Bengal in anticipation of its landfall. The cyclone, expected to make landfall either tonight or tomorrow morning, has already prompted the evacuation of over 1.7 lakh residents in Odisha's affected areas.

According to NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi, Odisha will bear the brunt of the cyclone, with Bhadrak district particularly at risk. Odisha's ten coastal districts are severely impacted. West Bengal will also face significant repercussions, with the coastal districts being the most vulnerable.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms that Cyclone Dana intensified into a severe storm last night and is currently centered approximately 200 km southeast of Odisha. IMD Director General Dr. Mrityunjay Mohapatra warns that after landfall, the cyclone will move west-northwestward, bringing increased rainfall to southern Jharkhand. Heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for isolated areas in the region. Wind speeds are expected to reach 40-50 km/hr in Jharkhand and 50-60 km/hr in interior districts of Odisha on October 24th and 25th.

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led a high-level preparedness review meeting earlier today, joined by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken, with ministers assigned to oversee affected areas and IAS officers deployed to each district. Evacuations have commenced in Dhamara and Bhadrak, with residents moving to cyclone shelters.

The NDRF, with 20 teams in Odisha and 17 in West Bengal, is on high alert. The Indian Navy is also standing by to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations along the coastlines of both states.