The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a 'severe' cyclonic storm is likely to hit Odisha and West Bengal coasts by October 24 (Thursday). The cyclone is named 'Dana' by Qatar and means a beautiful and precious pearl in Arabic. 


The IMD has issued a red warning for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm), with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) and thunderstorms with lightning, for Puri, Khurda, Ganjam and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha on October 24 (Thursday). In Bengal, Howrah, East and West Midnapore and North and South 24 Parganas are likely to be lashed by heavy rainfall between Wednesday and Thursday.


IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said some places in the coastal region may experience 20 cm of rainfall on Thursday and Friday. The intensity of the spell may also increase to 20 to 30 cm, and above 30 at some places, he added.



Fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea, given the harsh sea weather conditions due to the cyclone.


Cyclone Dana: Rainfall Warning In These States



  • Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) at isolated places is very likely over Andaman Islands on October 21.

  • Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall (07-11 cm) at isolated places is very likely over Odisha on October 23  & heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 21 cm) at isolated places on October 24 and 25. 

  • Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over coastal districts of West Bengal on October 23 and heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places over Gangetic West Bengal on October 24 and 25.

  • Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over North coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 24 and 25.


What Impact Is Expected In Bengal & Odisha?



  • Localised flooding of roads, water logging in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses mainly in urban areas of the above region.

  • Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall.

  • Disruption of traffic in major cities and roadways due to water logging in roads and poor visibility due to heavy rain leading to increased travel time and incidents.

  • Localised landslides, mudslides, landslips, or mud slips.

  • Likely disruption of marine and inland water transportation like small boats and trawlers.

  • Minor damage to kutcha roads.

  • Possibilities of damage to vulnerable structure. Breaking of tree branches and uprooting of trees.

  • Damage to power and communication lines.

  • Damage to horticulture and standing crops in some areas due to inundation and wind.

  • It may lead to riverine flooding in some river catchments.