As Odisha braces for Cyclone Dana, the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday released a possible track of the cyclone, which currently lies 730 km southeast of Paradip and 750 km south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal.
The Cyclone will intensify into a severe Cyclonic storm with a windspeed of 100-110 kmph on Thursday night and Friday morning.
The IMD had earlier forecast that the cyclone will have a landfall on the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island. As per the present track, the cyclone will make landfall along the Odisha coast near Balasore/Bhadrak after crossing Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada.
As per the IMD update on Tuesday afternoon, the depression over the Bay of Bengal has moved west-northwest and lies centred about 700 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 750 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal) and 730 km south-southeast of Khepupara (Bangladesh). It has a windspeed of six kmph at 8:30 am.
"It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal. Thereafter, continuing to move northwestwards, it is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over Northwest Bay of Bengal by October 24 morning," the IMD said in its latest bulletin.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told local media that the impact would be greater in north Odisha and West Bengal. He added that though the entire part from Puri and West Bengal coast is likely to be impacted, the northern districts of Odisha will witness extremely heavy rainfall and maximum wind speed.
While the latest forecast hints Balasore could witness the landfall, the exact place will be clear only in the subsequent phases. That said, it is unlikely that the wind speed, which is likely to be around 100 to 110 kmph and gusting up to 120 kmph, could change.
Odisha prepares for landfall
The state has announced the closure of schools in coastal districts. The officials are also preparing for the evacuation of people from areas on the path of Cyclonbe Dana.
The Odisha government has also cancelled the leaves of all staff from October 23 to 25 and asked Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) DK Singh has asked them to remain prepared to tackle the challenges of the impending calamity.
Odisha Director of Health Services Bijay Kumar Mohapatra told ANI that the state has a definite protocol for the preparation or management of cyclones. "No leave will be allowed to service providers. Anti-snake venom will be provided to every health facility. The provision of safe drinking water to all patients will be ensured. The aftermath of the cyclone includes waterlogging which is likely to cause a diarrhoea outbreak. We are prepared," Mohapatra added.