Two states along India's eastern coast are preparing to evacuate thousands of people ahead of Cyclone Dana, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. One state has already announced the closure of schools in several districts for two days.
Dana, which formed over the Bay of Bengal before intensifying into a cyclonic storm, is expected to hit the coast by Wednesday morning with wind gusts of up to 140 kph, India's weather office reported. The cyclone is likely to intensify further, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to northern and central coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and southern regions of neighbouring Odisha.
Andhra Pradesh has ordered all boats at sea to return to shore and directed authorities to ensure the rapid restoration of power in case of disruptions. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has announced the closure of schools and colleges in five districts for Tuesday and Wednesday, while preparing to relocate residents from low-lying areas to cyclone shelters.
The Bay of Bengal remains one of the world's most active regions for tropical cyclones. Meteorologists have warned that the storm's impact could lead to significant infrastructure damage, particularly in coastal villages where housing is often vulnerable to high-velocity winds and storm surges.
Disaster management teams have been deployed across the affected regions to assist with the evacuation process. These teams are equipped with rescue boats, medical supplies, and communication tools to handle potential emergencies during the landfall.
Local administrations are also coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure that essential services remain operational. The government has urged citizens to follow official advisories and avoid venturing near the coastline until the weather conditions improve.
The intensity of the storm has raised concerns about potential flooding in low-lying agricultural lands. Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and livestock from the impending heavy rains.
As the cyclone approaches, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the situation closely. Regular updates are being issued to keep the public informed about the storm's trajectory and expected intensity.
The international community and regional neighbors are also keeping a close watch on the situation, as tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal often have far-reaching consequences for the entire South Asian region. Authorities remain on high alert, emphasizing that the primary goal is to minimize loss of life and property through proactive evacuation and preparedness measures.