NEW DELHI: Kolkata airport will remain shut for 15 hours from October 24 6pm to October 25 9am in view of cyclone Dana which may hit West Bengal and Odisha coast by Thursday night, as per IMD‘s forecast.
Further, over 190 local trains have been cancelled as a part of precautionary measure. The suspension will be in effect from 8pm on Thursday until 10am on Friday to ensure passenger safety.The affected services include those running in the Sealdah South and Hasnabad sections.
The Met office reported that the cyclonic storm is projected to make landfall early Friday between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. Heavy rainfall is expected in several districts of South Bengal on October 24 and 25.
Here are top developments in the story:
10 lakh in 14 districts of Odisha to be evacuated, NDRF deployed
The Odisha government is implementing an evacuation plan to relocate over 1 million people from 14 districts facing threats from heavy rainfall, tidal surges, and strong winds.
The IMD has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, particularly affecting coastal and low-lying regions.
Rescue teams have been mobilized, and 6,000 relief camps have been set up to offer shelter, food, and medical assistance.
“20 teams deployed in Odisha, 13 in West Bengal with 4 teams kept in reserve, preparations made in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizag and 9 teams in Jharkhand. We are expecting that maximum evacuation will be done today before landfall of cyclone tomorrow,” said NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahedi.
Fisherfolk have been advised against going into Chilika Lake, and drainage systems have been cleared to avoid waterlogging.
Odisha civil service exam postponed, schools shut
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has postponed the preliminary test for the Odisha civil service examination, which was set for October 27, 2023.
The OPSC plans to announce a new exam date after seven days and has asked candidates to monitor the official website for further updates.
Further, schools in the state have been shut from October 23 to October 25. “To ensure the safety of students the schools will be shut for October 23-25 given the impending cyclonic storm. Orders have been given to the district administration to ensure that the schools remain shut during this duration. Schools will remain closed in the areas which could be affected by the cyclone. The state government will take every step to ensure the safety of the public,” said Odisha education minister Nityananda Gond.
Inflation hits Odisha as consumers resort to panic buying
Vegetable prices have surged as consumers rush to buy supplies ahead of the approaching cyclone. At Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack, the price of potatoes has jumped from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg, while onions have risen from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kg. In Bhubaneswar, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 80 to 100 per kg.
Other vegetables, such as beans, brinjal, ladyfinger, and cauliflower, have also seen price increases of Rs 10 to 20 per kg. The markets are experiencing a significant influx of shoppers looking to stock up on essentials, particularly potatoes and onions, in anticipation of the cyclone expected to hit by October 25.
