Cyclone Dana update: 197 trains cancelled, Kolkata airport may be shut, travel advisory issued

As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coasts of India, numerous steps have been taken to ensure safety of the people. As per the reports, a total of 197 trains have been cancelled, whereas schools and colleges have been closed in multiple districts of Odisha and West Bengal. The cyclone, expected to hit coastal areas of both states on October 25, has triggered extensive preparations to ensure the safety of residents and minimise damage.



Update on flight operations and travel advisoriesAs a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Dana, flight operations at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata will be suspended for 15 hours, beginning at 6 PM on Thursday. Airport authorities have announced that flights will be halted from 6 PM on October 25 until 9 AM on October 26.
In addition, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has advised tourists from the state who are currently visiting Puri in Odisha to return home as a precautionary measure.

Read more: 10 iconic places to visit in BRICS nations
Evacuations in Odisha and West BengalBoth Odisha and West Bengal governments have started evacuating people from vulnerable areas, with the Indian Coast Guard on high alert. As per the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and strong winds will likely affect these regions, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kmph.

According to the weathermen, Odisha is expected to be hit hardest by Cyclone Dana, and has already prepared around 800 cyclone shelters and an additional 500 temporary shelters in schools and colleges. All these shelters are equipped with food, water, medicines, and other essentials. To ensure that there are no casualties, the state government is making all efforts to make sure that everyone is taken out on time.

From October 23 to 26, schools in seven districts in West Bengal will be closed. People have been asked to relocate to safer locales if they live in low-lying areas.

Teams on standby

The vessels and planes of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have been deployed to react quickly to any emergencies. In order to transmit weather warnings to fishermen, the Coast Guard has established remote operating stations and deployed helicopters in Haldia and Paradip in collaboration with local authorities.
Meanwhile, Odisha has requested 10 additional teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Seventeen teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have also been deployed, with fire services ready to move into the 14 districts most likely to be affected.

Read more: India’s most famous tiger safaris and how much they cost

Impact on rail and air servicesAccording to estimates, 197 trains, including those connecting West Bengal and Odisha to other regions of the nation, have been cancelled by South Eastern Railway. As regarding the air travel, officials at Kolkata's airport are keeping a careful eye on the situation, and any decisions about closing or cancelling flights would be based on how severe the cyclone is after it hits land.

Weather warnings in Jharkhand
The weather department has also predicted heavy rainfall for parts of Jharkhand on October 24 and 25. Areas in the southeast region may experience gusty winds up to 60 kmph, along with lightning. The department has advised people in these areas to remain alert during this period.