Cyclone: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Oct 23: Cyclone Dana is projected to make landfall along the Odisha coast near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra between October 24 and 25 as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
As of 8:30 AM on Wednesday, the cyclonic storm was located approximately 520 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 600 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal), and 610 km south-southeast of Khepupara (Bangladesh). It is expected to intensify as it moves northwest towards the northwest Bay of Bengal, likely crossing the coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 to 25.
The IMD has also issued warnings regarding a storm surge of 1.0 to 2.0 meters above astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying areas in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts at the time of landfall. Gale-force winds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, are anticipated in these districts on October 24-25. Mayurbhanj may experience squally weather with wind speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, while Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Jajpur are expected to see winds between 60 to 80 kmph. In Puri, Khurda, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar, wind speeds are forecasted to be 60 to 70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph.
