Six districts in West Bengal, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East Medinipur, and West Medinipur are on high alert as Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Puri and Ganga Sagar on October 24. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in these areas.
Government Meetings and Coordination
The Cabinet Secretary has held discussions with the Chief Secretaries of Bengal and Odisha, both of which are projected to be significantly impacted by the cyclone. The governments of Bengal and Odisha have conducted multiple meetings to prepare for the impending storm.
NDRF Deployment and Fishermen Advisory
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed nine teams in response to the cyclone: three in East Medinipur, one in West Medinipur, three in South 24 Parganas, and two in North 24 Parganas. Fishermen have been advised not to go out to sea, and constant monitoring is in place across the affected districts. Authorities are working to relocate residents to relief camps before the cyclone arrives, while Kolkata Police have reviewed all safety arrangements.
Amit Shah’s Visit Postponed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to visit Hooghly Arambagh but has postponed his trip due to the cyclone. Other engagements he has in Bengal are expected to continue as planned.
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IMD Forecast and Warnings
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal will likely develop into a cyclonic storm within the next two days, bringing heavy rainfall when it reaches the coastal states on October 24. Wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coast are forecasted to increase from 60 km/h on October 23 to 120 km/h from the night of October 24 into the morning of October 25. Fishermen in West Bengal and Odisha have been warned to remain off the water on October 23.
Chief Minister’s Engagement and Safety Measures
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has discussed Cyclone Dana with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, updating him on the state government’s preparedness for both pre- and post-cyclone situations. The central government has promised necessary assistance and agreed to send additional NDRF teams, along with a helicopter stationed at Bhubaneswar airport for quick deployment as needed.
Majhi has also emphasized the importance of achieving zero casualties during this crisis. He directed district collectors to ensure the safe return of fishermen currently at sea and has instructed all district collectors to enhance their cyclone preparedness efforts. In anticipation of the storm, the state government has canceled leave for all government employees, requiring them to stay at their respective district headquarters during this critical time.
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