At least 1.1 million people along India’s eastern coast are evacuating to storm shelters as they brace for the arrival of Cyclone Dana, expected to strike the low-lying region late Thursday. The cyclone is projected to impact the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha states, which are home to approximately 150 million people.
The India Meteorological Department has classified Dana as a “severe cyclonic storm,” forecasting wind gusts reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour (74 miles per hour). Major airports, including Kolkata, a key travel hub, will shut down overnight, with heavy rain already affecting the megacity.
The storm is anticipated to make landfall early Friday near the coal-exporting port of Dhamra, located about 230 kilometers (140 miles) southwest of Kolkata. Additionally, neighboring Bangladesh is preparing for the storm, with interim government leader Muhammad Yunus stating that “extensive preparations” are underway.
Authorities expect coastal areas to experience inundation, with water levels potentially rising up to two meters (6.5 feet) above normal tide levels. Odisha state health minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed that “nearly a million people from the coastal areas are being evacuated to cyclone centers.” In West Bengal, government minister Bankim Chandra Hazra reported that over 100,000 people have already been relocated to safer locations.
In Puri, a popular beach resort, businesses have been ordered to close, and tourists have been instructed to leave. Puri district magistrate Siddharth Swain assured that “all efforts are being made to face the cyclone and save lives.