Cyclone Dana Moves Northern Odisha Coast: IMD

Bhubaneswar, Oct 25: The severe cyclonic storm Dana, which made landfall near Habalikhati in Bhitarkanika area off Odisha coast five minutes past midnight last night, moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday morning.

The cyclonic storm was centred over north coastal Odisha at 5.30 AM today. It was about 20 km north-northwest of Dhamara and 40 km north-northwest of Habalikhati Nature Camp (Bhitarkanika).

The landfall process continues, and the rear sector of the cyclone is entering into land. The landfall process will continue for the next 1-2 hours, the IMD said.

It is likely to move nearly west-northwestwards across north Odisha and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by the forenoon of today, it added.

Under the impact of ‘Dana’, heavy rainfalls and high tides in the sea are seen near the landfall region and it brought down many big trees, electric poles and thatched houses. Many roads have been blocked due to the falling down of big trees.

However, there was no report of any major damage or casualty so far even as the landfall process started more than an hour ago, an official said.

The actual damages caused by ‘Dana’ can only be assessed after the landfall process is over and weakening of the severe cyclonic storm.

More than 6 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas in the State and moved to cyclone shelters where cooked food is being provided, officials said.

Earlier, CM Majhi had claimed that the State government aims to ensure Zero casualties in the cyclone.