India: Over 100,000 People Evacuated Ahead of Cyclone Dana’s Arrival

Authorities in the Indian state of West Bengal commenced the evacuation of thousands of residents from the eastern coast on Wednesday, as a powerful cyclone is expected to make landfall later this week.

Cyclone Dana is projected to strike the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, which are home to approximately 150 million people, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The cyclone is anticipated to reach near Puri, a popular tourist destination, on Thursday evening, as reported by the same source.

“Authorities have begun evacuating over 100,000 individuals from coastal areas,” stated Bankim Chandra Hazra, a minister in the West Bengal government.

In addition, all educational institutions in nine districts of the state have been ordered to close until Sunday, Hazra added.

The Indian Meteorological Department has advised fishermen to avoid heading out to sea, while authorities in Odisha have canceled nearly 200 train services, according to local media reports.

Tourists in coastal regions of both states have also been encouraged to leave seaside resorts and seek shelter.

“There has been a surge of tourists at the Puri railway station trying to depart the city,” noted Kaushik Mitea, a spokesperson for a local railway company.

Cyclones, similar to hurricanes and typhoons, pose a regular threat in the northern Indian Ocean. In May, Cyclone Remal resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people in India, according to government statistics.

Improvements in weather forecasting and more effectively planned preventive evacuations have contributed to a decline in cyclone-related fatalities in recent years. However, researchers argue that the intensity of cyclones is increasing due to climate change.