Cyclone Dana made landfall in Odisha’s coastal districts in the early hours of Friday, bringing torrential rain and gusts reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. The storm affected parts of Odisha and extended into West Bengal, causing significant disruptions, although major damage was avoided.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone struck with full force after midnight on Thursday. The landfall process, which began shortly after midnight, continued until around 8:30 am on Friday. During this period, coastal districts in Odisha experienced extremely heavy rainfall, intense winds, and rough seas.
Odisha’s ‘zero casualty’ mission, aimed at preventing loss of life during the cyclone, was successful. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi commended the efforts of local authorities for their prompt and effective response, noting that no major damages were reported. Evacuations, early warnings, and the establishment of shelters played key roles in ensuring safety.
Currently, the cyclone is centered over northern coastal Odisha, moving northward at around 10 km/h. According to the IMD, Cyclone Dana has weakened into a cyclonic storm and is expected to further dissipate into a deep depression over the next six hours.
As conditions improved, airport operations in affected areas began resuming. Authorities remain on high alert, with the IMD monitoring the cyclone’s progress and providing updates to prevent any unforeseen developments.
