Vikash Sharma

It is now testing times for the people in Odisha as they again brace up to face the wrath of another cyclonic storm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an orange alert after the formation of cyclonic storm Dana over eastcentral Bay of Bengal. The formation of the cyclonic storm is being closely monitored by the IMD which has already issued a ‘red warning’ for several Odisha districts on October 24 and October 25, 2024.

The formation of cyclonic storm Dana has triggered apprehensions in the minds of coastal parts of Odisha which has witnessed the wrath of nature in the form of cyclones in the past.

Moving at a speed of 18 km, the deep depression over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'DANA' (pronounced as Dana) on Wednesday.

Cyclone Dana to make landfall near Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, says IMD

In a major boost to the healthcare system in Odisha, the state government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chennai-based MGM Healthcare for heart transplantation at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra predicts Cyclone Dana as weaker than Amphan. Expected landfall near Bhitarkanika with winds up to 120 kmph impacting Odisha.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday made it clear that the cyclonic storm Dana will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the early morning of October 24 and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a red warning for several districts which are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm Dana which is expected to hit somewhere near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra in Odisha on October 24-25.

Several experts say that the landfall near Bhitarkanika could be a blessing in disguise as the place is known for its mangrove forest cover, which acts as a natural barrier and a shield against winds.