Cyclone Dana Update: IAF Mobilizes NDRF Teams as Odisha Braces for Severe Storm
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Bhubaneswar, October 23, 2024: India readies for cyclone Dana which is a category 5 cyclone intensifying over the Bay of Bengal which is expected to make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal. In view of the cyclone, the Indian Air Force has already mobilized NDRF and necessary relief materials to Odisha. Here’s all that you require to know regarding the cyclone and the measures taken to tackle it.
Cyclone Dana: Current Status and Forecast
As reported by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Dana is significantly intensifying owing to the presence of a deep depression in the East Central Bay of Bengal which, it is predicted, will strengthen further as a mature cyclone. As of the October 23 cyclone, October 22, it was located 905 km to the west-northwest of Gadchiroli and is shifting northwest at a speed of 18 km. D Sinha expects landfall to occur in the coastal areas between Bhadrak and Balasore in Odisha and northern parts of West Bengal on October 24th to 25th. It Is expected gale force winds of 120km/hr are expected to occur during the landfall of the cyclone along with average rainfall in both states.
Odisha districts which are severely affected are Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj. Relentless storm surges, flooding, and damage to critical and non-critical infrastructure assets will be highly recurrent and widespread.
IAF’s Immediacy: Airing NDRF Teams
With a cyclone anticipated, the IAF has deployed two planes, an IL 76 and an AN 32 to airlift some 150 NDRF personnel and non-food items to Bhubaneswar. The personnel were transported from Bhatinda on October 23 which put them in a position to be able to help local authorities in the disaster relief/rescue operation. The objectives will include, evacuations, search and rescue operations and the provision of emergency supplies to the affected areas.
The Indian Navy, Indian Force and Indian Coast Guard also have their stand by teams in high readiness. Rescuers, vessels and helicopters are already close by for deployment as the storm draws nearer.
State Governments Relieving the Threats
The states of Odisha and Bengal have taken the first initiative of informing the masses and taking necessary precautions. In a joint press statement with both the education and general administration departments, Odisha’s Nityananda Gond disclosed instructions to extend the closure of all institutions in vulnerable districts from October 23 to October 25. The Government’s intentions are clearly to protect students and staff and reduce the movement of people in areas that are likely to be turned into a storm’s eye.
The plight of students is not in isolation, but the government of Orissa has ostensibly evacuated the low lying areas only the displaced thousands in temporary shelters. Near-shelters, relief materials including food, tools, drinking water and medical supplies are stockpiled. Power supply companies are also on standby o avert any potential interruptions during and after the cyclone.
Similar warnings were sounded through the Disaster Management Department of West Bengal and called on people living close to the coastal areas to desert these places for lands further to the north and south. Fishermen have been advised against going to the sea as strong winds and high waves present a great hazard to any small boats. So far as possible don’t go out, avoid traveling if not very necessary and always heed whatever the officials say.
IMD Alerts: Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Expected
Moreover, IMD has notified fishermen not to go fishing because there will be very strong winds and 20 foot high waves that threaten small boats. The anticipated pressure and cyclonic wind may increase especially in the northern part of India with the cyclonic circulation moving into the southern plains. The IMD has set warnings of heavy rain to areas such as Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal between October 23 to 26 while they have issued red alerts due to extreme rains.
There is a flood warning and rains are expected in large amounts over vast regions, especially low lying areas. Two meters elevation storm surges are moreover anticipated above the tide in first and second order of driven areas of low raining areas of Orissa and West Bengal seas.
Public Safety Measures
The public has been advised to have first-aid kits which contain necessary materials like dry foods, drinking water, medications, batteries, flashlight, and first aid. Further, windows, doors and other things which can be dislodged by a heavy wind should be immobilized. For the population living in flood-prone areas, the government also recommends moving to safety zones or evacuation centres when the need arises.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government in conjunction with the local police and volunteers is working round the clock to ensure every person in the cyclone- prone areas is evacuated and accounted for prior to the cyclone developing further. As a preventative measure, rail and bus services within and outside the areas might be incapacitated depending on the state of the weather.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Dana nears Indian shores, the joint action of the IAF, NDRF, and state government shows India’s preparedness in preparation for the worst of the storm. Public safety is a priority hence every measure possible is being exercised to reduce the cyclone’s effect on property and human beings’ life. People in the affected areas are instructed to be careful, follow the directives issued, and wait for any new information.
Stay informed by checking the latest updates from the Indian Meteorological Department for real-time warnings and weather conditions.
