Cyclone Dana: Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm

The deep depression over east-central Bay of Bengal reportedly intensified into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday morning. 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm will further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal by October 24 morning and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during October 24 night to October 25 morning. 

The speed of the Severe Cyclonic Storm will be around 100-110 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph, the IMD predicted.

Cyclone Dana: Emergency Helpline Numbers

Cyclone Dana & Deployment of Rescue Teams

The Odisha government has deployed as many as 288 rescue teams in 13 districts to tackle any eventualities that may occur during the probable cyclone Dana’s landfall process and in its aftermath. 

Of the 288 teams, 19 are NDRF teams, 51 ODRAF teams, 178 Fire Services teams and 40 are additional Fire Services teams.

Meanwhile, five NDRF teams from Punjab's Bathinda have arrived in Odisha to assist ODRAF in view of the cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.

Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts have been given three NDRF teams and six ODRAF teams each. Mayurbhanj district has the highest deployment of 38 rescue teams- two NDRF teams, six ODRAF teams, 26 Fire Services teams and four additional Fire Services teams.

This apart, rescue teams have also been positioned in Ganjam, Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Nayagarh districts.

At the same time, one NDRF team, nine ODRAF teams and 20 Fire Services teams have been kept in reserve.