Mass Evacuations Underway as Cyclone Dana Approaches Eastern India

With Cyclone Dana poised to make landfall imminently, Indian authorities have activated emergency response measures, facilitating the evacuation of millions from coastal states to mitigate the impending disaster.

As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coastline of India, authorities are swiftly executing one of the country’s largest evacuation operations, relocating nearly 1.5 million residents from the states of Odisha and West Bengal. The cyclone, anticipated to make landfall in less than a day, is bringing concern as it is projected to escalate into a severe storm with wind speeds ramping up to 120 km/h (74 mph).

In preparation, over 1 million individuals are being evacuated from 14 districts in Odisha, while more than 300,000 are being relocated from vulnerable coastal areas in West Bengal. Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, reassured the public on Wednesday, stating, “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful,” as temporary relief camps stocked with necessary provisions are being established.

Transportation systems are feeling the impact, with more than 200 train routes canceled and flights from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports halted until further notice. Relocation measures include fishermen being strictly advised to remain inland and contingency plans being arranged for maritime facilities at Paradip port.

The Meteorological Department has cautioned that heavy rainfall is about to commence along the coast within the next 24 hours, with predictions of exacerbated conditions. Both states have faced severe cyclonic events historically, underlining the gravity of this situation. Past tragedies include the 1999 cyclone disaster that claimed over 10,000 lives in Odisha.

As the government and relief teams remain on high alert, schools in high-risk coastal regions have been shuttered, and the focus remains on safeguarding lives ahead of Cyclone Dana’s assault on the eastern seaboard.