“Odisha and West Bengal to be hit hard. " Cyclone Dana is again making headlines as it approaches the east coast of India. Strengthening showers and gusty winds seem to be the biggest threats as the storm approaches the neighbourhoods and communities along the coast, and local people and officials are getting ready for possible floods and storms mixed with heavy rainfall.

Dana is not any storm; it is a cyclone wind probable to gust up to 120 km/h, which is disastrous concerning those in the storm’s direct impact zone.

Some of the Aspects to Expect with Cyclone Dana

Dana is tracking now over the Bay of Bengal, becoming more and more powerful. The IMD has warned that there would be heavy rains and floods across the state, with more intensity in the coastal districts of Odisha.

Due to forecasts of major precipitation and strong winds, there may be large-scale tree, roadside, and other structure disturbances, and significant flooding may be expected in the territories with low elevation.

How Government is Responding

Cyclone ‘Dana’ is not going to be Odisha’s first hurricane like Phailin’, and the government does not want anything untoward to happen. National Disaster Response Force teams have been posted at major locations. Scared areas: schools are closed, and basic foodstuffs, etc. are stored in the shelters where people might have to move. Through preparedness, during past cyclones, it has been proven that early response can greatly help a place, like Odisha.

Like any other state, Odisha has also had to reschedule big celebrations and holidays for the sake of safety. Authorities are urging people who still live in endangered zones to leave their houses and go to the designated sturdy buildings. As from previous cyclones that have happened in the area, the state is ready to address the issue, directing most of its effort toward reducing consequences and saving lives.

Life Along the Coast

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have already been on the receiving end of Cyclone Dana, featuring extensive rainfall accompanied by powerful winds. People in the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal should prepare for MVNO, power failure, and damaged roads and bridges as the cyclone nears the coastline. Some use it to caution people to avoid exposure to the weather by staying indoors and purchasing what they may require in anticipation of the weather to avoid exposure during the weather conditions.

The key here is preparation: people living near the sea are advised not to go anywhere, stock up on essentials, and seek safe places. People should not only read news from unverified sources because, during such events, fake news spreads like wildfire.

Cyclone Dana is being tracked by IMD, and we have information on its movement, speed, and estimated time of landfall. This is usually a somewhat concerning period as a lot of things are watched and waited until the storm makes landfall, but it is always good to know and be prepared for what to expect. Preparedness also reduces the risk during cyclones, and strictly adhering to evacuation orders where applicable is also beneficial. People must have plans and always inform their close ones about their location and the measures they take. It is very important for people to take adequate measures and be alert whenever natural disasters like Cyclone Dana arise.

Conclusion: A Community effort

More about Cyclone Dana: How cyclones work and why it is necessary to be ready for them. In that way, coordinated and informed efforts are being made to minimise risks and for the people living along the coast to face a cyclone in unison. Let’s wait and be safe now; adhere to the new and accurate advice given by the authorities or officials; and be strong and support each other during the storm.