Two months after Cyclone Asna ripped across India, the country braced for another storm, Cyclone Dana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings that a ‘severe’ cyclonic storm is now brewing over the Bay of Bengal and is predicted to make landfall on the Odisha and West Bengal coasts on October 24. Cyclone Dana progresses northward; these areas are expected to suffer substantial meteorological concerns, such as heavy rainfall, strong gusts, and widespread disruption.

According to the most recent IMD update, Odisha and West Bengal coastal areas may receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from October 23 to October 25. The cyclone’s powerful effect may cause waterlogging, landslides, and outages in power and communications networks. Furthermore, the storm is expected to bring rainfall to northern Andhra Pradesh. People in the affected areas are warned to take measures as the Dana cyclone approaches.

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Heavy Rainfall, Potential Disruptions in Odisha and West Bengal

The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across numerous Odisha and West Bengal regions throughout Cyclone Dana’s course. In Odisha, mild to moderate rainfall is forecast on October 23, with intensity increasing over the next two days. On October 24 and 25, certain locations may get very heavy to extremely high rainfall, with isolated areas receiving more than 30 cm of rain. This poses considerable dangers to low-lying areas, which might experience flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides.

Similarly, severe rainfall is expected to begin on October 23 in West Bengal. The coastal areas are likely to bear the brunt of the storm, and Gangetic West Bengal is anticipated to receive severe rain from October 24. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of the IMD, stressed the possibility of rainfall exceeding 30 cm in some areas, urging local authorities and residents to brace for potential disruptions to daily life, including power outages and blocked roads.

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Fishermen and Coastal Communities Were Urged to Take Precautions

Fishermen along the eastern coast have been warned to return to shore by October 21 as the storm strengthens. Strong gusts, stormy seas, and heavy rainfall may make offshore operations extremely dangerous during this time. The IMD has also warned of the likelihood of landslides in specific sensitive areas, emphasising the significance of early preparation.

As the Dana cyclone approaches, residents of Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh are urged to remain vigilant, heed official warnings, and take appropriate precautions. With the potential for heavy rainfall, landslides, and other weather-related disruptions, early planning and preparation could significantly mitigate the storm’s impact on life and property.

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