ODISHA, (TDI): Authorities in Odisha, India, have ordered the closure of schools and the evacuation of tourists from the popular beach city of Puri in anticipation of a severe cyclonic storm, Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall later this week.
Currently located over the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Dana is projected to intensify, with wind gusts reaching up to 120 kph (74 mph).
The storm is forecasted to hit late Thursday, prompting school closures in 14 districts from Wednesday to Friday.
Fishermen have also been advised to refrain from going to sea, according to a senior official from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office, which manages disaster response.
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Tourists and pilgrims visiting Puri, renowned for the Jagannath temple, have been urged to leave the area as rescue teams remain on standby. The weather office warns of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next three days, which could lead to damage to homes, roads, crops, and power infrastructure, as well as flooding and landslides.
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While Odisha is susceptible to cyclones, it has made significant strides in disaster preparedness, resulting in reduced damage and casualties in recent years.
