Dana intensifies into 'cyclonic storm', rescue teams on standby

The deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Dana, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Wednesday morning. At 5:30 am, the cyclone was located about 560 km from Odisha’s Paradip and 630 km from West Bengal’s Sagar Island. IMD predicts that Cyclone Dana will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning, with landfall expected between Odisha’s Puri and West Bengal’s Sagar Island on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

The states of Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for the impact, with rescue teams and authorities on high alert. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams on standby in West Bengal, with additional rescue personnel from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard ready to assist.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has heightened its alert status, deploying helicopters and establishing remote operating stations in Haldia (West Bengal) and Paradip (Odisha) to issue regular weather warnings to fishermen and mariners. They have also been broadcasting safety advisories, urging people to remain cautious and stay away from the coast.

IMD has also advised people in coastal areas to take necessary precautions as the storm may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves, potentially causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting power supply. Local administrations have started evacuating people from low-lying areas and are ensuring the availability of emergency shelters.