Indian authorities evacuated over 1.1 million people to storm shelters as Cyclone Dana approached the low-lying regions of West Bengal and Odisha states. The severe cyclonic storm is expected to hit the coast with winds up to 120 kph (74 mph).
Major airports, including Kolkata, are set to close overnight as heavy rain lashes the area. The eye of the storm is forecasted to make landfall near Dhamra port, while Bangladesh is also preparing for the impact.
Efforts are being made to evacuate people from coastal areas, with businesses in Puri ordered to close and tourists instructed to leave. Flight operations at Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar airports will be suspended, and trains and ferries canceled.
Cyclones are a regular threat in the region, with scientists warning of their increasing intensity due to climate change. While past cyclones have caused casualties, improved forecasting and evacuation strategies have helped reduce the death toll.