Cyclone DANA: Impact region, risks, precautions and safety| Skymet Podcast EP-7

As Cyclone DANA is moving closer to the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, thick clouds have turned the skies overcast and winds are getting gustier. With wind speed of over 100 km/h and gusting of up to 125 km/h, the Cyclone is expected to make landfall between Paradip and Balasore during the early morning hours of October 25. Over 200 trains have been cancelled in advance and air operations at Kolkata and Bhubaneswar will be interrupted from 5 p.m. today until 9 a.m. tomorrow. As per reports, whilst many offices, colleges and organizations will be closed, essential services will keep operating. In the districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur and Puri, where residents are especially at risk, about 400,000 people have been evacuated. West Bengal's coastline, extending from Digha to Diamond Harbour is still highly vulnerable.Weather conditions have begun to be impacted by the storm's outer bands and are expected to worsen throughout the course of the night. Significant flooding and a storm surge in the oceans with wave heights of 15-20 feet can occur during the 3–4 hour landfall phases. There is considerable danger from the combination of severe winds and plenty of rain, and possible communication problems are expected to last till tomorrow. It is anticipated that restoration work will start later tomorrow or the next day. For their protection, residents in impacted areas must continue to remain alert and follow local Government advice.