Indian authorities have closed schools, evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents, and canceled trains as rescue teams prepare for Tropical Storm Dana, currently intensifying in the Bay of Bengal.
The Indian Meteorological Department reports that Tropical Storm Dana is expected to strengthen, with winds reaching 100-110 kph (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph (74 mph). The storm is projected to make landfall along India’s eastern coast late Thursday into early Friday.
Climate scientists highlight that severe storms are becoming more frequent and unpredictable in South Asia, largely due to global warming.
The storm is forecast to impact much of Odisha, where strong winds and rain were reported Thursday morning. Authorities have responded by closing schools, canceling over 200 trains, suspending flights, and advising fishermen to avoid the sea.
In neighboring West Bengal, downpours have already started, and several districts are on high alert.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Press Trust of India that approximately 300,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, with three districts likely to face severe impact. Authorities plan to relocate over 1 million people from 14 districts and have deployed rescue teams across the state, known for its vulnerability to severe storms.
“The government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. You are in safe hands,” Majhi assured.
India’s eastern coast is increasingly experiencing intense cyclones, with last year’s cyclone season proving to be the deadliest in recent years, resulting in 523 deaths and causing approximately $2.5 billion in damages.
Source: AP
