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New Delhi: Indian authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people, closed schools, and canceled trains as Tropical Storm Dana nears the country’s eastern coastline, prompting widespread emergency preparations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Tropical Storm Dana is expected to intensify, with wind speeds of 100-110 kph (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph (74 mph). The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast that the storm will make landfall between late Thursday and early Friday along the Bay of Bengal.
The storm has already triggered heavy rains and strong winds in parts of the eastern state of Odisha, which is expected to be among the most affected areas. Authorities have evacuated approximately 300,000 people from vulnerable zones, with plans to relocate over 1 million residents from 14 districts. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that three districts are likely to experience severe impact. Several teams of aid and rescue workers have been deployed across the region.
“The government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. You are in safe hands,” Majhi reassured citizens.
Neighboring West Bengal is also bracing for heavy downpours and possible storm damage, with officials there on high alert. More than 200 trains have been canceled, flights suspended, and fishermen warned to avoid venturing out to sea as part of precautionary measures.
India’s eastern coasts are frequently hit by cyclones, with climate scientists noting an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms in South Asia due to global warming. Last year’s cyclone season was one of India’s deadliest in recent years, claiming 523 lives and causing $2.5 billion in damages.
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