Cyclone Dana made a destructive landfall on the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal late Thursday night, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rains that led to the uprooting of trees and blocking of roads. As the cyclone barreled through the Bay of Bengal, it brought wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, wreaking havoc across the coastal towns, particularly in Puri, where officials described the destruction as severe.
Widespread Destruction and Evacuations
With wind speeds initially reaching 110 kmph, Cyclone Dana’s impact was seen in high tides and trees strewn across the coastal roads. Puri district official Siddarth Swain told AFP that many trees and electric poles were uprooted, with makeshift shops along the beach completely blown away by the cyclone’s force. Videos circulated on social media captured the storm’s intensity, showing towering waves crashing onto the shore and heavy rains pounding nearby structures.
In preparation for the cyclone, authorities had evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents from vulnerable coastal areas over the past two days. Despite the proactive measures, the cyclone caused extensive damage to homes, with reports of roofs being blown off and significant structural harm in some areas.
Relief and Restoration Efforts Underway
Relief teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been working tirelessly to clear roads and remove uprooted trees to ensure safety and restore access. In a video posted by ANI, relief workers are seen braving the storm, cutting down fallen trees and clearing pathways.
As of Friday morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Dana’s landfall process was still underway, with the rear section of the storm entering land. IMD officials added that while wind speeds had started to decrease to 80-90 kmph, heavy rains are expected to continue across Odisha and West Bengal until Saturday. The IMD forecasts the cyclone will gradually weaken as it moves northwest, downgrading to a cyclonic storm by mid-morning Friday.
Ongoing Concerns and Precautions
Though the cyclone’s wind speeds have somewhat diminished, residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors due to heavy rain and potential flooding. Authorities have urged caution, advising people to avoid coastal areas until conditions stabilize. The NDRF and local authorities continue their efforts in restoration and relief to minimize the cyclone’s impact on residents’ lives and infrastructure.
Sources By Agencies