October 22, 2024: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. Cyclone Dana is projected to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal on October 24, bringing significant rainfall and strong winds to the region.

As Cyclone Dana approaches, the IMD forecasts wind speeds to reach 60 kmph along the Odisha-West Bengal coast by Wednesday, escalating to 100-110 kmph, with gusts potentially hitting 120 kmph from the night of October 24 through the morning of October 25. The weather agency has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during this period due to dangerous conditions.

In anticipation of the storm, a red alert has been issued for several districts in Odisha, including Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur, where residents are warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall and lightning strikes. The Odisha government has announced that schools and colleges across all 14 affected districts will remain closed from October 23 to 25 to ensure the safety of students.

The districts impacted include Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Cuttack.

West Bengal is also preparing for heavy rains, with alerts issued for the coastal districts of Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and North and South 24 Parganas starting October 23. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and heed safety guidelines as the region braces for the impact of Cyclone Dana.