Cyclone Alert: Odisha and West Bengal Prepare for Stormy Weather
India’s Eastern States Bracing for a Cyclone
Flights to and from the capital cities of India’s eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal, including Kolkata, will be suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning as the region prepares for a cyclone. The cyclone, known as Cyclone Dana, is currently over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the coasts of the states between midnight and Friday morning with wind speeds of 100-110kph, gusting up to 120kph, the weather department said.
Preparations in Full Swing
Both Odisha and West Bengal have taken necessary precautions to minimize the impact of the cyclone. Schools in areas that are expected to be affected by the storm have been closed, and fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea. Television footage showed fishermen rushing to secure their homes and boats with ropes, and officials escorting residents in coastal areas to shelters as heavy winds and rains pounded parts of Odisha on Thursday.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
According to special relief commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, approximately 50,000 people have been evacuated so far, and a total of around 300,000 people are likely to be evacuated. The Adani group’s Dhamra port in Odisha’s Bhadrak region has also suspended operations.
Red Alert in Neighboring West Bengal
Neighboring West Bengal state has issued a red alert for three districts located close to the area where the cyclone is expected to make landfall, officials said. The state’s capital city of Kolkata remained overcast on Thursday with short spells of rain.
Cyclone Season in India
Severe storms lash coastal cities in India and neighboring Bangladesh during the cyclone season from April to December each year, causing extensive damage. Odisha’s worst cyclone in recent years was in 1999, which raged for 30 hours and killed 10,000 people. At least 16 people were killed when a cyclone lashed India and Bangladesh in May, packing speeds of up to 135kph.
Conclusion
The cyclone alert issued by the Indian authorities is a clear indication of the severity of the situation. With flights suspended, schools closed, and evacuation efforts underway, the residents of Odisha and West Bengal are bracing themselves for the impact of the storm. As the country prepares for the worst, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the cyclone expected to make landfall?
- The cyclone is expected to make landfall between midnight and Friday morning.
- What are the wind speeds expected to be?
- The wind speeds are expected to be 100-110kph, gusting up to 120kph.
- How many people have been evacuated so far?
- Approximately 50,000 people have been evacuated so far, with a total of around 300,000 people likely to be evacuated.