The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says, “the Severe Cyclonic Storm “DANA” is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha) during midnight of October 24 – October 25 (morning) as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph.” It said that as a result isolated extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal on October 24 and 25.
“We plan to shift 10 lakh people to different cyclone shelters where all services will be made available. We hope that the evacuation would pick up by evening,” Suresh Pujari, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, said following the Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday (October 23, 2024).
