The inauguration of the ₹450 crore modern passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border, which was scheduled for October 23, has been postponed.
Source: Hindustan Times
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may develop into Cyclone Dana by October 23, with landfall expected between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of October 24.
Odisha’s Director General of Police, Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi, has confirmed that the police are fully prepared to handle any situation arising from Cyclone Dana. “We are closely monitoring the cyclone’s path, whether it will impact Bangladesh or Odisha. Our response will depend on its trajectory, but preparations are already in place,” Sadangi told reporters.
He also mentioned that efforts are being made to bring back fishermen from the sea. By tomorrow, they will have a clearer understanding of which districts are likely to be affected, and actions will be taken accordingly.
What we know so far about Cyclone Dana:
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that the state government is well-prepared to tackle any challenges posed by Cyclone Dana.
- A comprehensive evacuation plan for vulnerable areas has been formulated, with NDRF, ODRAF, and fire service teams on standby.
- The districts of Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak are expected to be the most affected.
- Agricultural officers and district collectors have been advised to ensure readiness for the quick drainage of rainwater.
- Energy grids and emergency transmission towers in the affected districts are under close monitoring.
- Cyclone shelters will be stocked with necessary supplies and essential commodities.
- The IMD has issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, thunderstorms, and lightning in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts on October 24.
- Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh has instructed the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to 25 as a precaution.
- The Met department has also forecasted heavy rain for West Bengal’s coastal districts, including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, as well as North and South 24 Parganas on October 23.
- The inauguration of the ₹450 crore modern passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border, initially scheduled for October 23 with Home Minister Amit Shah, has been postponed due to the impending cyclone.
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