Cyclone Dana, a powerful storm, made landfall on the Odisha coast near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra around midnight on Thursday, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone unleashed fierce winds and heavy rainfall, leading to significant disruptions across the region; fortunately, there have been no reported casualties.
Successful Evacuations Amidst Cyclone Dana: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi confirmed zero casualties, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive measures by authorities. Over 600,000 residents were evacuated to safety before the cyclone hit, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness.
Ongoing Relief Efforts and Challenges: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on the ground, working to clear roads obstructed by debris and fallen trees. However, strong winds and continuous rainfall are posing challenges. Despite these conditions, the NDRF remains committed to restoring normalcy in the region.
West Bengal Also Affected: West Bengal has felt the impact of Cyclone Dana, with over 216,000 people evacuated from vulnerable areas. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reported that relief operations are in full swing, with officials diligently assisting those in need.
Transportation Resilience and Recovery: Train services have resumed across all cyclone-affected states, and Bhubaneswar’s airport operations restarted, with the first flight landing at 9 a.m. on Friday. However, Kolkata is experiencing significant waterlogging due to the heavy rains, affecting mobility in several neighborhoods.
Calls for Government Support: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has urged the central government to extend comprehensive aid to the impacted states. He emphasized the necessity for preventive and emergency measures to ensure public safety.
Impact of Cyclone Dana: While Cyclone Dana has caused widespread disruptions in transportation, infrastructure, and daily life, the storm has begun to weaken. The focus now shifts to sustained relief and recovery efforts. Authorities are working diligently to support affected communities, and the successful evacuation, coupled with zero casualties, demonstrates the effectiveness of disaster preparedness strategies. Nonetheless, a thorough assessment of the cyclone’s long-term impact will be essential for rebuilding and supporting recovery.
