Severe cyclone DANA set to cross Odisha coast, communities on alert

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: The severe cyclonic storm ‘DANA’ has intensified as it continues to develop over the northwest Bay of Bengal, moving north-northwest at a speed of 13 km/h in the past six hours. As of 5:30 PM today, the storm was located approximately 100 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha, 130 km south-southeast of Dhamara, Odisha, and 210 km south of Sagar Island, West Bengal.

Meteorologists predict that ‘DANA’ is likely to maintain its current trajectory and make landfall along the coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island. The storm is expected to cross near Bhitarkanika and Dhamara during the midnight hours of October 24th into the morning of October 25th, 2024. Forecasts indicate that it will reach severe cyclonic storm status with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, accompanied by gusts potentially reaching up to 120 km/h.

In light of the storm's projected path, authorities are closely monitoring the situation using the Doppler Weather Radar systems located in Paradip and Gopalpur. Local communities are being urged to remain vigilant and prepared for adverse weather conditions as the storm approaches.