Cyclone Dana Wreaks Havoc on Eastern India-Heavy Rains, Flooding, and Disruption Across Several States

Cyclone Dana made landfall late Thursday, October 24, on Odisha's coast, bringing widespread disruption and severe flooding to eastern India. As the storm traveled inland, states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and significant infrastructural damage. Local authorities initiated large-scale evacuations, rescue operations, and relief efforts, preparing the region for the cyclone's impact in a race against time.

Severe Impact on Odisha and West Bengal

Odisha reported no immediate casualties but witnessed extensive flooding, particularly in the coastal districts of Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Balasore. In a well-coordinated response, the Odisha state government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, evacuated more than 600,000 people to 6,008 shelters, ensuring access to food, medical aid, and other essentials.

In West Bengal, Cyclone Dana inundated Kolkata, where streets were submerged, disrupting transportation and daily life. Notably, water filled government facilities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) headquarters and SSKM Hospital. By Friday morning, several areas of Kolkata reported knee-deep water, significantly hampering traffic in neighborhoods such as Bhawanipur, New Market, Hazra, and Behala.

Heavy Rains, High Winds Lash Kolkata

Cyclone Dana caused record rainfall in Kolkata, reaching 100 mm over 24 hours, flooding many low-lying areas. The KMC remained on high alert, deploying response teams across the city. Residential and commercial zones in New Town, Dum Dum, and Park Circus also reported severe waterlogging. Inside hospitals and government buildings, patients, medical staff, and municipal workers navigated ankle-deep water as operations continued amid challenging conditions.

In nearby Odisha, areas like Bhadrak and Kendrapara experienced extreme wind speeds, up to 120 km/h, alongside intense rainfall. This extreme weather resulted in uprooted trees and disrupted local infrastructure, especially in rural and coastal regions where tree fall obstructed roads and power lines.

Jharkhand and Bihar Brace for Continued Storm Effects

As Cyclone Dana moves northwest, states like Jharkhand and Bihar are now experiencing the after-effects of the storm. In Jharkhand, the Kolhan division has been particularly affected by heavy rains and powerful winds, with schools closed across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued adverse weather, with isolated regions facing thunderstorms, lightning, and 20-40 km/h wind gusts.

In Bihar, cloud cover blanketed over 34 districts as temperatures fell by up to 6°C. A high-alert warning has been issued, with heavy rain expected in Kosi and Seemanchal districts. Local officials are urging residents to take precautions due to the likelihood of strong winds and sporadic thunderstorms. Authorities anticipate ongoing rains and cooler temperatures in the coming days.

Odisha’s Swift Response Aims to Ensure Zero Casualty

Odisha’s emergency response included one of the largest evacuation efforts in recent memory. The state’s disaster response team, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), evacuated over 800,000 individuals to cyclone shelters, prioritizing vulnerable populations. The state’s zero-casualty mission, widely commended, involved relocating more than 4,400 pregnant women, 1,600 of whom have since safely delivered their babies.

Agricultural Losses and Potential Food Price Hikes

As Cyclone Dana swept through eastern India, its impact on agriculture has been significant. In West Bengal, heavy rains have damaged harvestable crops, notably paddy and potatoes. Experts predict a shortage of essential food items as the festive season approaches, potentially increasing prices of staples like rice and potatoes.

Transportation Delays and Power Outages

The cyclone triggered extensive transportation disruptions across affected regions. In Odisha and West Bengal, flight operations at major airports in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar were suspended Thursday evening but gradually resumed Friday morning as conditions improved. The East Coast Railway reported cancellations for over 200 trains, with additional delays expected as services normalize.

Electrical infrastructure also suffered substantial damage. In Odisha, high-speed winds downed electric poles and transformers in districts such as Balasore and Bhadrak, though restoration teams are working to resume power access by Friday evening. Similarly, Kolkata and other areas of West Bengal have mobilized personnel to clear fallen trees and restore public services.

IMD Updates and Continued Weather Advisories

The IMD’s latest forecasts indicate that Cyclone Dana will weaken gradually into a deep depression. The system is expected to move westward across Odisha, with heavy rainfall continuing until Friday evening. Meteorologists warn that while the cyclone’s intensity has diminished, risks of strong winds and rain persist across Bihar and Jharkhand. A high-alert advisory remains in place for residents in these states to prepare for potential flooding and continue monitoring local forecasts.

Climate Change’s Role in Increasing Cyclonic Activity

Climate experts suggest that increasing cyclone intensity may be linked to warming ocean temperatures. Dr. Mrutunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of IMD, noted that warmer waters provide the energy necessary for cyclonic systems to grow in strength. “A warmer atmosphere also allows cyclones to hold more moisture, resulting in intense rainfall,” he explained, adding that while cyclones have grown more powerful, improved forecasting has significantly mitigated their human toll.

Preparations for Future Events

Both Odisha and West Bengal governments have implemented post-cyclone measures, focusing on relief distribution, restoration of essential services, and infrastructural repair. The regions' response strategies will incorporate lessons from Dana, further refining protocols to protect residents from future cyclonic threats. Emergency response teams continue monitoring flood-prone areas, anticipating that high water levels could pose a risk in the days following Dana’s landfall.