Indian authorities are taking urgent measures as Tropical Storm Dana approaches the eastern coastline. Schools have been closed, and hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated as rescue teams prepare for the storm, which is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday.
Tropical Storm Dana: Expected Impact
The Indian Meteorological Department predicts that Tropical Storm Dana will intensify, bringing winds of 100-110 kph (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph (74 mph). The storm is set to impact the eastern state of Odisha, where residents are already experiencing strong winds and rainfall.
Authorities have closed schools, canceled over 200 trains, suspended flights, and warned fishermen to stay out of the water. Neighboring West Bengal is also on high alert as heavy downpours begin to affect the region.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, reported that approximately 300,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, with plans to evacuate over 1 million residents from 14 districts. Several teams of aid and rescue workers are deployed to assist in the preparations.
“The government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. You are in safe hands,” Majhi assured the public.
Rising Storm Intensity and Climate Concerns
Climate scientists warn that severe storms are becoming more frequent in South Asia. Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has intensified these weather events, making them more extreme and unpredictable.
India’s eastern coast has historically faced cyclones, but the increasing number of intense storms is alarming. Last year marked one of India’s deadliest cyclone seasons, resulting in 523 fatalities and causing approximately $2.5 billion in damages.
