Odisha is preparing for the potential impact of severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ which is expected to make a landfall on Thursday morning. The state government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of residents in coastal districts, providing essential supplies and health services. It held high-level meetings in Bhubaneswar to coordinate efforts between government and non-government agencies to handle any eventuality. Both the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) have been put on high alert.

India Meteorological Department Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the cyclonic storm will form over the east-central Bay of Bengal by Wednesday and will make a landfall with a wind speed of 100 to 120 km per hour along the Odisha and West Bengal coasts on Thursday. He said a cyclonic circulation that originated over the Andaman Sea is moving northwest, and a low-pressure area is likely to form in the east-central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow morning. This will gradually intensify into a depression by Tuesday and further develop into a cyclone by Wednesday.

Odisha’s coastal districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with the entire state bracing for very heavy rains on Thursday and Friday due to the severe storm.