Cyclone Dana made landfall along the Odisha coast, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several areas. The storm’s impact was felt between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak, with wind speeds reaching 110 kmph.
The landfall process began around midnight, and Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur districts have been experiencing 110 kmph winds and intense rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclonic effect would continue for the next 1-2 hours. Cyclone Dana, named by Qatar, is expected to weaken by the afternoon.
Authorities in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to ensure their safety. Schools were closed, and over 400 trains were canceled. Flight operations were also suspended.
In Odisha, the Chief Minister Mohan Charan-led government has displaced approximately 5.8 lakh people. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Response Force (ODRF) teams, and 385 rescue teams, including fire service and forest staff, have been deployed to assist in relief efforts.
Additionally, around 150 contingents of Odisha Police are involved in rescue operations, road clearance, and other activities on the ground.
