Cyclone Dana to make landfall soon, Odisha and Bengal on high alert: Top developments

The severe cyclonic storm Dana commenced its landfall process on Thursday night, which was anticipated to persist until Friday morning, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Over the last six hours, the storm traveled north-northwest at a velocity of 15 kmph before making landfall between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak district, accompanied by wind speeds of approximately 110 kmph, as stated by a senior IMD official.
"The landfall started with the entry of the outer cloud mass of the system. When the centre of the system reaches land, wind speeds are expected to reach 120 kmph," Umashankar Das, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, told news agency PTI.
Also check: Cyclone Dana Live
Here are the top developments as coastal areas prepare for very cyclonic storm-
PM Modi speaks with Odisha CM twice on preparations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held two conversations with Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to assess the state's preparedness. The CM briefed him on ongoing evacuations and the deployment of rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). Union minister Amit Shah has also promised all necessary support from the central government to handle the situation effectively.
Lakhs evacuated, schools and flights suspended
In anticipation of Cyclone Dana, Odisha and West Bengal authorities evacuated lakhs of people from vulnerable areas. Schools were closed, and more than 400 trains were canceled, while flights at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports were suspended for safety reasons.
Odisha's revenue and disaster management minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that 385 rescue teams, including the NDRF, ODRAF, and local police, were mobilized to aid in evacuation and road clearance efforts.
Approximately 3.5 lakh people have been relocated to over 4,700 relief centers.
Heavy rainfall expected in Jharkhand
Parts of Jharkhand, including the Kolhan region, are also set to face heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the impact of Cyclone Dana.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for these areas, predicting thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. The state's School Education Department has closed schools in the affected districts, and NDRF teams have been deployed to handle any emergency situations.
Rail and flight disruptions continue
Cyclone Dana has led to widespread disruptions in transportation. East Coast Railways and South Eastern Railways have canceled over 200 trains, and flight operations at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport remain suspended until Friday morning. Airlines have also parked and secured all planes in preparation for the storm.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee monitors the situation
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will remain at the state secretariat overnight to monitor developments. She urged citizens to stay calm, follow evacuation orders, and avoid spreading rumors.
The state administration has evacuated over 2.5 lakh people, set up relief camps, and ensured that key officials remain on standby to manage the aftermath of the cyclone.
Emergency response and relief measures
Both Odisha and West Bengal governments have deployed NDRF teams, and over 7,000 relief camps have been set up across Odisha. Special efforts have been made to evacuate vulnerable individuals, including over 2,300 pregnant women. Relief supplies, including food and medical aid, have been distributed in affected areas, while the Indian Air Force and Navy are prepared to assist in post-landfall recovery operations.
Helpline numbers issued for affected areas
To assist residents during the cyclone, the Odisha government has released district-specific helpline numbers for those seeking assistance. These helplines are available for emergency services and information about shelter locations and evacuation measures.
Balesore: 06782-262286 / 261077 Mayurbanj: 06792-252759 / 252941 Bhadrak: 06784-251881 Jajpur: 06728-222648 Kendrapada: 06727-232803 Keonjhar: 06766-255437 Jagatsinghpur: 06724-255437 Cuttak: 0671-2507842 Dhenkanal: 06762-226507 / 221376 Angul: 06764-230980 Puri: 06752-223237 Khurda:06755-220002 Ganjam: 06811-263978 Nayagada: 06753-252978 BMC (BBSR): 1929
Cyclone Dana is being closely monitored by the IMD, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as the storm approaches.