As Cyclone Dana approaches, India is evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal, with landfall expected within the next 24 hours.
Authorities have dispatched thousands of relief workers and established temporary shelters to protect those in the cyclone’s path.
The Indian Meteorological Department warns that the cyclone will hit coastal regions with wind speeds of 100-120 km/h (62-74 mph) and heavy rain is likely.
Transportation has already been significantly affected, with over 200 train cancellations and numerous flight disruptions, particularly at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reassured the public, stating that the state has taken extensive measures to ensure safety. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful,” he advised.
In Odisha, over a million people are being evacuated, while West Bengal is relocating more than 300,000 residents from vulnerable coastal areas.
Fishermen have been warned to stay away from the sea, and Paradip Port in Odisha is implementing safety protocols for both staff and local residents.
This region has a history of devastating storms, such as the catastrophic cyclone in 1999 that claimed more than 10,000 lives in Odisha. Last year, another cyclone resulted in at least 16 deaths across India and Bangladesh.