Tag: Cyclone Dana

Cyclone Dana’s impact on Odisha’s agricultural sector has been significant, with standing paddy crops across over 80,000 hectares damaged, according to preliminary assessments. Although the cyclone’s landfall late Thursday night in Kendrapara district caused no human casualties, extensive crop damage and infrastructure destruction were reported. The state government has begun assessing losses and announced a compensation package for affected farmers.

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.

In anticipation of the imminent landfall of Cyclone Dana, both the Odisha and West Bengal governments are ramping up preparations to evacuate nearly two million people from the vulnerable coastal areas. Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal late Thursday night or early Friday morning, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In response to the impending threat of Cyclone Dana, the West Bengal government has announced the closure of state-run schools and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres across nine south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, from October 23 to 26. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.