The approaching Cyclone Dana, originating in the Bay of Bengal, has prompted the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for 14 districts in Assam. As the cyclone advances toward the coast, with expected landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal, the authorities are taking no chances. With wind speeds anticipated to reach up to 120 km/h, significant precautions are being put in place across multiple states.
Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall late in the evening of October 24, bringing severe weather to Odisha and West Bengal, which are bracing for the worst of the storm. These states are likely to experience heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and thunderstorms, prompting the closure of educational institutions and the cancellation of both air and train services. Fishermen have been warned against going to sea due to the hazardous conditions expected.
Cyclone Dana effect in Assam
While West Bengal and Odisha are set to be hit hardest by the cyclone, its effects will be felt further inland. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for 14 districts in Assam, including the capital, Guwahati. These districts are Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, West Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Charaideo. The weather has already begun to show signs of the incoming storm, with cloudy conditions and intermittent light to moderate rainfall since yesterday.
In response to the cyclone, state governments in Odisha and West Bengal have urged residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Evacuation procedures have been activated in coastal areas, and shelters are being prepared to accommodate those at risk. The IMD has been closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory, with updates being shared frequently to help citizens stay informed.
In Assam, while the cyclone’s impact is expected to be less severe than in the coastal regions, the yellow alert signals that residents should be cautious. Moderate rains and strong winds are expected in the affected districts, potentially causing disruptions in daily activities. The government has advised people to take necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
The forecast for Assam suggests that cloudy skies will persist, with light to moderate rains expected throughout the day in many areas. While the intensity of Cyclone Dana may decrease as it moves inland, the regional weather center warns that localized flooding and wind damage remain possibilities in the districts under alert.
Cyclone Dana, though devastating for the coastal states, serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impacts such storms can have. Authorities across the affected regions continue to monitor the situation and take preventative measures to minimize damage and ensure public safety. The public has been urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
As Cyclone Dana bears down on the eastern coast, the focus remains on ensuring maximum preparedness and mitigating the effects of the storm in the days ahead.