Cyclone Dana Triggers Massive Evacuations: 1.5 Million People Flee Coastal Areas as Storm Nears

Authorities in India are evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the coastal states of Odisha and West Bengal as Cyclone Dana approaches.

Massive Evacuations as Cyclone Dana Approaches

Authorities in India are evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the coastal states of Odisha and West Bengal as Cyclone Dana approaches. With the storm expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours, officials have deployed thousands of relief workers and set up temporary shelters equipped with food, water, and medical facilities to minimize potential damage and casualties.

Cyclone to Hit with Severe Wind Speeds

The India Meteorological Department predicts that the cyclone will hit the eastern coast with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 120 km/h (62-74 mph), leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and trains. Flight operations from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports are suspended, and more than 200 trains have been halted as a precaution. Schools in the affected regions have also been closed, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.

Odisha and West Bengal Governments on High Alert

Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, assured residents that all necessary measures are in place to ensure their safety. Around one million people from 14 districts in Odisha are being relocated to temporary camps, while over 300,000 individuals from West Bengal's coastal areas are also being evacuated. The situation is being closely monitored, with rescue teams and state officials on high alert.

History of Cyclones in the Region

Cyclone Dana is expected to bring heavy rainfall along the coastal areas for the next 24 hours. Odisha and West Bengal frequently face severe cyclones, with past incidents causing significant devastation. In 1999, a cyclone claimed over 10,000 lives in Odisha, and more recently, in 2023, a cyclone resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people in India and Bangladesh.