CYCLONE DANA: ANOTHER CLIMATE CRISIS ON THE WAY

On 23rd of October, 2024, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning for the Eastern-coast of India. The pressure dip at the Bay of Bengal has taken a form of Cyclone , namely being called “Dana”. IMD, following the development of the cyclone, issued warning on 24th October, 2024, for districts of Odisha such as Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Jeypore, suggesting that rainfall and thunderstorm might occur at 6:40 pm today. The cyclone is expected to make it’s appearance in Bhitarkanika and Dhamra between 24th and 25th of October.

INDIAN METEROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings. Heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) is very likely to take place at isolated places in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Puri, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Ganjam and Mayurbhanj. These districts are expected to experience the wrath of Cyclone as the wind speed is estimated to reach 100-120 km/h and the districts might have to endure heavy rainfall. Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, in particular, are categorized as high-risk zones due to their proximity to the projected landfall area between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port. Additionally, Balasore and Bhadrak could experience severe weather, with the risk of coastal flooding and damage to infrastructure.

(Source: Indian Meteorological Department)

STEPS TAKEN BY ODISHA GOVERNMENT

To constructively deal with this disaster, Odisha Government has taken few precautionary steps to minimize the damage. More than a million civilians are being evacuated, especially from the high-stakes region and are being relocated to the parts across those regions where it is less risky. These shelters are equipped with essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medical aid. Over a million residents are expected to be moved to safety, particularly from high-risk districts like Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Ganjam. In addition to cyclone shelters, government buildings, schools, and other designated safe locations are also being used to accommodate evacuees during the storm​.

The schools are to be remained close in 14 district from October 23 to 25. Complementing the evacuation steps, the Odisha government has deployed over 20 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as well as 51 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and 178 fire service units to assist with rescue and relief operations.

CHEIF MINISTER MOHAN CHARAN MAJHI

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the public that the government is fully prepared to manage the cyclone’s impact. “Zero casualties will be ensured,” Majhi stated during a review meeting. Measures have also been put in place to maintain critical infrastructure, with priorities on uninterrupted power for hospitals and quick restoration of water supply and communication systems. Efforts are also being made to prevent hoarding and price gouging of essential commodities during the cyclone’s aftermath​.​

The Odisha government, with its proactive approach and robust preparedness measures, aims to mitigate the damage caused by Cyclone Dana. While the exact path of the storm may still change slightly, the residents of Odisha are urged to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidelines issued by authorities.

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