Cyclone 'Dana' Threatens Eastern India: Mass Evacuations Underway

Cyclone 'Dana' is set to impact India's eastern coastline, prompting mass evacuations in West Bengal and Odisha. Heavy rains and gusty winds are expected, disrupting transportation and causing precautionary measures across the region. Authorities are on high alert, with extensive emergency operations in place to mitigate risk.

Heavy rains and gusty winds impacted southern West Bengal on Thursday as the state evacuated over 250,000 residents in anticipation of Cyclone 'Dana' making landfall in Odisha late Thursday night or early Friday.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port. The storm was approximately 150 km southeast of Paradip and 250 km south-southeast of West Bengal's Sagar Island at 4:30 p.m.

West Bengal identified over 3.5 lakh individuals for evacuation from low-lying areas, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee monitoring the situation. Public transport disruptions, train cancellations, and halted ship movements are in effect, with disaster response forces deployed to address potential emergencies.