India evacuates over 1 million as Cyclone Dana approaches

India is evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal as Cyclone Dana nears, with landfall expected within the next 24 hours.

Authorities have deployed thousands of relief workers and set up temporary camps to safeguard those in the cyclone’s path.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicts the cyclone will strike coastal areas with wind speeds between 100-120 km/h (62-74 mph), and heavy rainfall is anticipated.

Transportation services have already been heavily impacted, with over 200 trains and numerous flights cancelled, particularly at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reassured residents, stating that the state has made comprehensive preparations to ensure public safety.

“We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful,” Majhi told the media.

More than a million people are being evacuated in Odisha alone while West Bengal is evacuating over 300,000 people from vulnerable coastal areas.

Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea, and Paradip Port in Odisha is implementing contingency measures to protect both staff and local residents.

The region has a history of severe storms, including the devastating 1999 cyclone that killed over 10,000 people in Odisha.

Last year, another cyclone claimed at least 16 lives in India and Bangladesh.