22 October 2024: As Cyclone Dana heads towards the Odisha coast, the state government has taken swift precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. Schools in several districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Bhadrak, and Cuttack, will remain closed today as part of the government’s emergency response plan. Other districts expected to be impacted include Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Khordha.
The cyclone, categorized as a severe storm, is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours, bringing with it strong winds of up to 100 km/h and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding and structural damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the coastal areas, warning residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
How Cyclone Dana Was Named
Cyclone Dana is the latest storm to form in the Bay of Bengal, following international naming conventions established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The naming system is based on a pre-determined list contributed by countries in the region.
In this case, Cyclone Dana was named by Maldives, one of the countries that participate in the regional cyclone naming system. The practice of naming cyclones helps in easy identification and raises public awareness about the severity of the storm.
Government Precautions and Preparedness
In response to the impending cyclone, the Odisha government has activated disaster management teams and is closely monitoring the situation. Special focus has been placed on the low-lying coastal areas, where heavy rains and storm surges could lead to flooding. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed to vulnerable regions to assist in any evacuation or rescue operations.
Schools in coastal and flood-prone districts have been instructed to close to ensure the safety of children. Residents in affected areas have also been advised to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, as heavy rains and flooding may disrupt normal services. The Odisha State Transport Department has also suspended inter-district bus services in the cyclone’s path to prevent any accidents or emergencies due to adverse weather conditions.
Impact on Local Communities and Businesses
With the cyclone approaching, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and those at sea have been asked to return to the coast immediately. The Odisha government has also taken steps to safeguard public infrastructure, such as power lines, roads, and communication networks, in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Local businesses, particularly in the coastal cities of Puri and Ganjam, have been temporarily shut down, and tourism in the region has come to a halt. The cyclone is expected to disrupt power and internet services, potentially affecting large parts of the state.
Further Developments Expected
According to the IMD, Cyclone Dana’s effects will be felt most intensely along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coastline, with the potential for extensive damage if the storm intensifies before making landfall. Residents in the cyclone’s projected path are urged to stay updated with government advisories and evacuate if necessary.
Emergency shelters have been set up in vulnerable areas to accommodate people displaced by the cyclone, and food and water supplies have been stocked at these shelters. The Odisha government is also coordinating with neighboring states, including West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, to monitor the situation and provide assistance as needed.
As the cyclone progresses, regular updates will be provided by the IMD and local authorities to ensure the safety and preparedness of the affected regions.
For further updates on Cyclone Dana and emergency instructions, stay tuned with Aanworld.
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