IMD Cyclone Dana Updates: The low pressure area, which will turn into a cyclonic storm by October 23, will reach the coast of Odisha and West Bengal on October 24-25. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert of heavy rain for both the states. Its effect can also be seen on the adjacent states Bihar and Jharkhand. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has announced the closure of schools in the coastal districts. Preparations have been started to evacuate every house in these areas. The biggest threat of destruction is looming due to Cyclone Dana.
The Meteorological Department has predicted a cyclonic storm on the Odisha-West Bengal coast this week. The exact location of the landfall is not known, but the IMD said, “The system is likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and morning of October 25. Wind speed will reach 100 km/h during this period.” -110 km per hour. It will take the form of a severe cyclonic storm. After this its speed can reach up to 120 km per hour.
“A low pressure area is likely to form over east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Andaman Sea during the next 24 hours. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further by the morning of October 22,” the IMD said. It is likely to intensify into a depression and a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal by October 23.”
IMD Director General Mrityunjay Mohapatra said the system was likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. He said that there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in some parts of Odisha from October 23. He told a local TV channel in Bhubaneswar, “Some places in the coastal region may receive 20 cm rainfall on October 24-25. The intensity of rainfall may increase up to 30 cm and may even exceed 30 cm at some places.” “
More than 150 trains canceled
More than 150 express and passenger trains passing through the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone have been canceled in view of the possibility of a severe cyclonic storm. An SER official gave this information on Tuesday. He said that the canceled trains include Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express and Howrah-Yesvantpur Express.
The SER official said the canceled trains were scheduled to depart from their originating stations from October 23 to 25. If necessary, more trains passing through the South East region can be cancelled. Kolkata headquartered SER region includes West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand etc.
Puri beach is deserted
Puri beach looks deserted after most of the tourists returned early due to cyclone Dana warning in Odisha. Lifeguards and volunteers have advised tourists not to venture into the sea and fishermen have been asked to avoid entering the water. The district administration has put up red flags on the beach to prevent tourists and visitors from bathing in the sea. Hotel owners are facing a lot of difficulties in issuing refunds for canceled bookings. Long queues of tourists are being seen at railway ticket counters for return tickets.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has ordered the closure of the Konark Sun Temple and Museum, while heavy water pumps have been prepared to remove water from the Sun Temple complex.