Cyclone Dana landfall near Odisha's Bhitarkanika is a blessing in disguise! Here’s what experts say

The IMD on Wednesday made it clear that cyclonic storm Dana will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal by early morning of October 24 and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha) during night of 24th to morning of 25th October 2024.

The severe cyclonic storm will cross with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph and gusting 120 kmph. 

Several experts say that the landfall near Bhitarkanika could be a blessing in disguise as the place is known for its mangrove forest cover, which acts as a natural barrier and a shield against winds.

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Rajnagar DFO, Gopinath S Yadav said, “Bhitarkanika mangrove forest acts as a biological fence and it will protect us from the cyclone. We have provided nets and other equipment to staff to catch crocodile and other animals in case of distress calls.”

The official further said that a divisional control room has been made functional and it has been strengthened. 

PCCF Susant Nanda said, “If the cyclone Dana is making landfall near Bhitarkanika, it is a blessing as there is Mangrove forest in 200 sqkm and it combat wind speed and stop ingress of tidal surge.”

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Nanda further informed that already five teams have been formed for road clearance and two rescue teams if crocodiles stray into human settlements. There is already SOP and we have circulated it among DFOs; wireless systems and solar lights can function during emergency situation.

“Wildlife animals are used to winds and deer can move to higher places and crocodiles might stray during high tides. For this, we have formed two teams. There is no threat to adult birds, but their babies might get affected during winds,” Nanda added.