Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, made landfall in Odisha between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra, bringing heavy winds and rain to coastal regions.
IMD’s Latest Update
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the landfall, stating the cyclone’s wind speeds reached up to 110 kmph, with the landfall process expected to continue into Friday morning.
Coastal Districts Affected
Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur districts witnessed a sudden increase in wind speed, with reports of uprooted trees and blocked roads.
No Major Damage Reported
Despite the storm’s intensity, no major damage or casualties have been reported so far, thanks to timely evacuations and preparedness measures.
Cyclone’s Trajectory
The storm moved north-northwest at 15 kmph, with its center located near latitude 20.5° N and longitude 87.1°E, about 50 km east-northeast of Paradip.
Wind Speeds and Landfall Process
Wind speeds are expected to reach 120 kmph during the landfall process, which will last around four to five hours, according to Umashankar Das, senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre.
IMD’s Continuous Surveillance
The cyclone is under continuous surveillance of the Doppler weather radar at Paradip, ensuring accurate tracking and updates.
Evacuation Efforts
Odisha revenue and disaster management minister confirmed the evacuation process has concluded, with around 10 districts likely to be affected by the cyclone.
Cyclone’s Current Status
As of 6 am on Friday, the cyclone was located 15 km north of Dhamra and 30 km northwest of Bhitarkanika, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/hr.
Relief Measures
The Odisha government has initiated relief measures, with teams on standby to address any potential damage or disruptions.
Preparedness Pays Off
The timely evacuations and preparedness measures have helped minimize the impact of Cyclone Dana, serving as a testament to Odisha’s disaster management efforts.
Tracking Cyclone Dana
Stay updated with the latest tracking information and updates from the IMD to ensure safety and preparedness.