U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyIndian authorities are evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the cyclone’s path in the eastern states of Odisha (formerly Odisha) and West Bengal.
Thousands of rescue workers have been deployed to minimize damage from Hurricane Dana, which is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours.
Transport services have been affected, with dozens of trains and flights canceled.
The India Meteorological Department said a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal is expected to transform into a severe cyclonic storm on Thursday night.
Samarendra Raut and Himanshu SamarThe storm is expected to hit coastal areas with winds of 100-120 km/h (62-74 mph).
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the safety of residents in areas along the path of the cyclone.
State officials said they had prepared temporary relief camps to provide food, water and sanitation facilities.
Magee told the media: “We are fully prepared for the storm. Don’t panic, stay safe and be careful.”
Odisha is evacuating more than 1 million people from 14 districts, while West Bengal is evacuating more than 300,000 people from coastal areas.
Officials and rescue teams from both countries are on alert. Schools along the coast have been closed.
Getty ImagesFlights at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata municipal airports were suspended from Thursday night to Friday morning as authorities prepared for the storm and canceled more than 200 trains.
Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea and contingency plans have been drawn up at Paradip Port in Odisha to ensure the safety of staff and nearby residents.
The weather service said “heavy to very heavy” rainfall is expected in coastal areas over the next 24 hours.
Odisha and West Bengal experience severe storms and cyclones every year.
In 1999, more than 10,000 people were killed by cyclones in Odisha.
Last year, at least 16 people died when cyclones struck India and Bangladesh.
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