NORTH NEWS
NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24
Heavy rain battered parts of Odisha and West Bengal on Thursday as authorities expedited evacuation efforts for thousands in coastal districts ahead of Cyclone Dana’s anticipated landfall later tonight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that the cyclone has intensified into a severe storm with wind speeds potentially reaching up to 120 km/h, posing a threat to nearly half of Odisha’s population. West Bengal is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days, according to media reports.
In light of the impending storm, the Indian Navy is mobilizing for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with Naval Officers-in-Charge (NOIC) across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan.
As part of the preparations, HADR pallets, which include essential supplies such as clothing, drinking water, food, and medicines, have been transported to key locations likely to be affected by the cyclone. Flood Relief and Diving Teams are also being deployed to assist in coordinated rescue and relief operations if necessary.
To facilitate relief efforts from the sea, two ships from the Eastern Fleet are on standby with supplies and rescue teams, ensuring the Indian Navy remains ready to support civil authorities and assist those impacted by Cyclone Dana.
