Millions Evacuate as Cyclone Dana Nears India’s East Coast
At least 1.1 million people on India’s eastern coast are fleeing to storm shelters inland, hours before a powerful cyclone is expected to hammer the low-lying region. Cyclone Dana is likely to hit the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha states, home to around 150 million people, as a severe cyclonic storm, with winds gusting up to 120 kilometers an hour. Major airports will shut overnight, including key travel hub Kolkata, where heavy rain has already begun.
The eye of the storm is predicted to make landfall near the coal-exporting port of Dhamra, impacting neighboring low-lying Bangladesh as well. Authorities are making extensive preparations for the storm’s arrival, with evacuation orders in place, and businesses in popular beach resorts closing.
While cyclones are a regular and deadly menace in the region, scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to climate change. However, better forecasting and evacuation planning have helped reduce death tolls in recent years.
Source: Dawn