Cyclonic storm to cross Odisha, West Bengal on Oct 24

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Monday that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal will likely strengthen into Cyclone Dana by October 23. Consequently, the cyclone is expected to reach the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal on October 24. The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in both states for at least three days, lasting until Friday.

Furthermore, wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts could initially reach 60 kilometers per hour (kmph) from Wednesday. Then, the winds are expected to escalate to 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph, from the night of October 24 into the morning of October 25. Due to these hazardous conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea this week.

In response to the impending storm, a red alert has been issued for several districts in Odisha, including Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur. Residents should prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall and lightning on October 24. To ensure safety, the state government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in all 14 districts likely to be affected from October 23 to 25. These districts include Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Cuttack.

Moreover, the IMD warns of heavy rains in West Bengal’s coastal districts starting October 23. Rainfall alerts are in place for Purba and Paschim Medinipur, as well as North and South 24 Parganas. Residents should remain vigilant and prepare for possible disruptions.