Cyclone 'Dana' likely to bring heavy rains and winds to Odisha by October 24

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet specified the exact location for the anticipated landfall of a potential cyclone, which is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 24. However, the IMD has released graphics depicting the likely trajectory of the storm, suggesting that it could affect the northern coast of Odisha.

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Odisha is expected to experience the most significant impact, with the storm lingering along the coast and bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds reaching 100-120 km/h.

The cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea developed into a low-pressure area on Monday and is projected to evolve into a cyclonic storm by October 23, affecting the Odisha-West Bengal coast.

The IMD noted that this low-pressure system formed early Monday over the east-central Bay of Bengal and nearby North Andaman Sea. It is forecasted to strengthen into a depression by October 22 and subsequently into a cyclonic storm.

Light to moderate rainfall is anticipated across most regions in Odisha on October 23, with heavier rains likely in isolated areas. On October 24-25, heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with extremely heavy rainfall in certain places, is also expected.

As the storm continues its northwestward movement, it is predicted to cross the coasts of northern Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning on October 25, maintaining wind speeds of 100-110 km/h and gusts up to 120 km/h.

The IMD has issued a red warning, indicating the need for immediate action due to the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) and extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts on October 24. An orange warning has been issued for Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts, while a yellow warning has been placed for Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts, indicating potential heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) and thunderstorms.