Cyclone Dana to Hit Odisha Coast Tonight, Torrential Rains Expected in Coastal Districts
Bhubaneswar: Coastal Odisha is gearing up for Cyclone Dana, which is predicted to make landfall around midnight tonight, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds across multiple districts. The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Department has forecast significant rainfall on October 25, following the severe cyclonic storm’s arrival.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that districts including Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Angul will face the heaviest impact. These areas are expected to experience scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging from 7 to 20 cm, with some isolated places receiving more than 20 cm of rainfall. The authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel in these districts.
Other areas, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Nayagarh, Sonepur, and Boudh, are also likely to witness heavy to very heavy rain, with rainfall amounts predicted to be between 7 to 20 cm. Although these regions will see slightly lower rainfall totals, the potential for flooding and landslides still exists, and precautionary measures are advised.
In Ganjam, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, and Sundergarh districts, rainfall is expected to be slightly less intense but still significant. These areas are forecast to receive heavy rainfall between 7 to 11 cm, and residents should remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas that may be prone to waterlogging or flash floods.
According to the IMD, as of 11:30 AM IST on October 24, Cyclone Dana was classified as a severe cyclonic storm and was moving at 13 km/h over the northwest Bay of Bengal. It is expected to hit the Odisha coast between Puri and Sagar Island near Bhitarkanika and Dhamara, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h. Authorities are preparing for the cyclone’s impact, urging residents to take precautions and cooperate with any evacuation orders.
