As Cyclone Dana is approaching the Odisha coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that the cyclonic storm is currently centred over Central Bay of Bengal around 420 km away from Paradip.

“The wind speed around the centre of the cyclone is currently around 80-90 km per hour. The cyclonic storm is gradually intensifying and it is likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm between Thursday midnight and Friday morning. It will cross the Odisha coast near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra around October 25 afternoon. Winds at speeds between 100-120 kmph is likely to hit the Odisha coast during the period. The intensity of wind may increase after October 24 midnight till October 25 afternoon,” said IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra in an exclusive interview with OTV.

“As per the earlier prediction, some areas in coastal Odisha are currently experiencing light to moderate rainfall. The intensity of rain is likely to increase. Coastal and some interior parts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 24 and 25. Mainly coastal districts like Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbjanj, Jajpur and Dhenkanal will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 24. Some interior parts of Odisha will also experience heavy rainfall on October 25,” he further said.

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“Sea near Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore may witness tides of one to two metres high. The sea in Jagatsinghpur is likely to witness tides of half to one metre high and as a result low-lying areas may be inundated. It may create a favourable condition for flood as well. Trees may break and standing crops are likely to be severely affected due to the heavy rain and wind,” he added.