Cyclone Dana is classified as a 'severe cyclonic storm' and is expected to impact millions.
Evacuations are being conducted in both India and Bangladesh as a precautionary measure.
The increasing intensity of cyclones is linked to climate change, raising concerns for future storms.
The storm is expected to cause significant flooding and damage upon landfall.
Continued monitoring and preparation in Bangladesh may prevent casualties despite the cyclone's impact.
Future cyclone events may become more frequent and intense due to ongoing climate change.
Cyclone Dana Approaches India, Over a Million Evacuated
As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coast of India, over 1.1 million people have been evacuated to shelters as a precautionary measure. The Indian Meteorological Department has classified the storm as a 'severe cyclonic storm' that is expected to make landfall early Friday morning. The cyclone is projected to hit the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha, which together are home to approximately 150 million residents.
The cyclone is anticipated to bring winds gusting up to 120 kilometers per hour, posing a significant threat to homes, particularly those with thatched roofs prevalent in coastal areas. Major airports, including Kolkata's, have suspended operations overnight in anticipation of the storm, while train services have also been disrupted, with numerous cancellations reported.
Authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure public safety, including deploying government disaster response teams and broadcasting warnings through loudspeakers. Odisha's Health Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed that nearly one million people from coastal regions have been relocated to cyclone shelters, while West Bengal State Minister Bankim Chandra Hazra reported that over 100,000 individuals have also been moved to safety.
Impact on Neighboring Bangladesh
Cyclone Dana is expected to affect neighboring Bangladesh as well, prompting interim Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus to announce that 'extensive preparations' are underway. Although no evacuation orders have been issued in Bangladesh, authorities are closely monitoring the storm's progress. The disaster minister, Farooqul Azam, stated that the country is on high alert in anticipation of the cyclone's impact.
Climate Change and Cyclone Intensification
Cyclones are a recurring threat in the northern Indian Ocean, and scientists warn that the intensity of these storms is increasing due to climate change. Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapor, which fuels storm growth and enhances wind strength. Despite advancements in storm forecasting and evacuation planning that have reduced casualties in recent years, the increasing power of cyclones remains a significant concern. For instance, Cyclone Rimal in May resulted in at least 48 fatalities in India and 17 in Bangladesh, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by such natural disasters.
