NEW DELHI (Reuters) – A powerful cyclone is expected to barrel into India’s eastern coast early on Friday. Here are some key details about its landfall and intensity, and the measures being taken by authorities to protect people and property.
LANDFALL
The ‘severe cyclonic storm’, named Dana, is expected to cross the coasts of the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal between midnight (1830 GMT) Thursday and Friday morning with wind speeds of 100-110 kph (62-68 mph), gusting up to 120 kph (75 mph).
CURRENT LOCATION
The cyclone is travelling over the Bay of Bengal at a speed of 12 kph (7 mph), about 260 km (160 miles) southeast of Odisha’s largest port of Paradip.
EVACUATION
The states expect to evacuate around 300,000 people each, and Odisha has already moved 50,000 people to relief shelters.
IMPACT ON TRAVEL
More than 200 trains have been cancelled and flights to and from the capital cities of both states – Kolkata and Bhubaneswar – will also remain suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning.
OTHER MITIGATION MEASURES
* Schools in several areas that are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone have been closed
* Fishermen have been asked to not venture to sea
* Odisha’s Paradip port has suspended operations
* The Indian Coast Guard has positioned its vessels and aircraft to respond swiftly to any emergency at sea
* The Indian Navy has put two ships with supplies and rescue and diving teams on standby to help with rescue and relief
(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
