The Indian subcontinent is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Dana, which is predicted to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall on India’s eastern coast late on Thursday. Authorities in Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are actively preparing for the impending harsh weather conditions.
Cyclone Dana is currently over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to reach wind speeds of up to 120 kph (74 mph) as it strengthens into a severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of India’s eastern and western coasts to cyclones, which have historically impacted the region with varying degrees of intensity. There have even been instances where the Indian peninsula has been struck by two cyclones simultaneously, originating from different directions.
To better understand the current situation and the potential impact of Cyclone Dana, it’s helpful to look back at the recent history of cyclones that have affected India. Here’s a brief overview of the last five cyclones that have hit Indian coastlines:
Cyclone Asna:
This tropical cyclone impacted the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as southern Pakistan, between August 25 and September 2, 2024. Originating as a deep depression over land, it later intensified into a cyclone before moving into the Arabian Sea.Cyclone Remal:
This moderately strong but less destructive tropical cyclone impacted West Bengal and Bangladesh. It was the first depression and the first cyclonic storm of the 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, it developed from a deep depression into a cyclone on the evening of May 25.Cyclone Biparjoy:
This powerful and erratic tropical cyclone formed over the east-central Arabian Sea. The storm originated over the Arabian Sea and made landfall between Mandvi in Gujart and Karachi in Pakistan in June last year.Cyclone Sitrang:
This weak tropical cyclone impacted India and Bangladesh in late October 2022. It was the first cyclone to make landfall in Bangladesh since Cyclone Mora in 2017.Cyclone Mandous:
This severe cyclonic storm was the third most intense tropical cyclone of the 2022 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The remnants of the system later reformed into Deep Depression ARB 03 in the Arabian Sea.The impact of these recent cyclones, ranging from significant damage to relatively minor events, highlights the importance of preparedness and timely warnings in mitigating potential loss of life and property. As Cyclone Dana approaches, authorities in the affected regions are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the public and minimize the potential disruption caused by the storm.