Cyclone ‘Dana’: Rain, Wind & Storm Surge To Peak On Oct 24 Night In Odisha, Says IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: Odisha may experience very heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge during the landfall of Cyclone ‘Dana’ as a severe cyclonic storm close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Wednesday.

“The landfall process usually takes around 5-6 hours. Hence, heavy rainfall, wind and storm surge will peak on October 24 (midnight) and continue till October 25 forenoon,” he said.

The maximum speed during the landfall process is likely to be around 100-110 kmph and gusting 120 kmph, he added.

The storm is currently 490 km from Paradip.

Mohapatra further stated that the storm surge of 1-2 metres is likely in Kendrapada, Balasore and Bhadrak and 1-1.5 metres in Jagatsinghpur. “The sea water may enter the land mass through Baitarani, Brahmani and other small rivers. Steps are also being taken to ensure safety of wildlife in Bhitarkanika National Park,” he said.

He said all the coastal areas of Odisha will experience rainfall activities from October 23. There is also a probability of heavy and extremely heavy rainfall in some districts like Balasore, Kendrapada, Bhadrak Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Khurda, Nayagarh on October 24 and October 25. Warning is also being issued to trawler and shipping companies.

The IMD DG said the strong winds can blow away tree branches, thatched houses, uproot trees and twist telephone and electric poles. There can be some impact on the wildlife in Bhitarkanika.

He added that Cyclone Dana will move through interior parts of Odisha after landfall and gradually weaken.