Cyclone Dana: Heavy rainfall, NDRF deployed, Jharkhand.
An “orange” alert has been issued in the Kolhan region due to the anticipated impact of Cyclone Dana, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. The alert indicates a warning for severe weather conditions, urging residents to be cautious and take necessary safety measures. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and disaster management teams are on standby to respond to any emergencies. The administration has advised people to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies ready. The weather department has predicted that the cyclone’s impact may intensify, potentially causing localized flooding and disruptions.
Ranchi: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted for parts of Jharkhand starting Thursday night, influenced by Cyclone Dana, according to an official from the Meteorological Department. This weather disturbance is expected to bring a significant amount of precipitation, prompting authorities to issue an “orange” alert for the Kolhan region, which encompasses the districts of West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan, and East Singhbhum. The alert for Friday indicates the potential for heavy rainfall ranging between 115 mm to 204 mm within 24 hours, and the region may also experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
Abhishek Anand, who heads the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, emphasized the likelihood of intense weather conditions over the next few days. In addition to heavy rainfall, the threat of thunderstorms and high winds could pose risks, especially in vulnerable areas. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that wind speeds during landfall could reach up to 120 kmph, posing significant risks to coastal and adjoining inland areas.
As of 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, Cyclone Dana was situated 280 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha, and 370 km south-southeast of Sagar Island, West Bengal. The IMD bulletin indicated that the weather system was steadily advancing toward the coast, with authorities preparing for potential emergencies. The cyclone’s trajectory and intensity have prompted emergency measures to be put in place across several states in eastern India.
In Jharkhand, preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed six teams in Jamshedpur and Chaibasa, while two additional teams have been kept on standby in Ranchi to respond quickly to any emergency situations that may arise. The deployment aims to ensure readiness for rescue and relief operations, particularly in flood-prone and high-risk areas.
The anticipated heavy rainfall is not limited to the Kolhan region; several other parts of central Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Ramgarh, are also likely to experience significant precipitation on Friday. The weather department has predicted light to moderate rainfall across many areas of the state on Thursday, with conditions expected to intensify as Cyclone Dana approaches. The potential for localized flooding, landslides in hilly regions, and waterlogging in urban areas could disrupt daily life and pose challenges to the administration.
The adverse weather conditions could also have an impact on political activities underway for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand. The state is preparing for polls to be conducted in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for November 13 and the second on November 20. The nomination process for the first phase of elections began on October 18 and is set to conclude on October 25. Similarly, the nomination period for the second phase started on October 22 and will continue until October 29. With inclement weather expected during this crucial period, there may be disruptions to election campaigning and logistical challenges for candidates and political parties.
The cyclone’s approach is a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events, particularly during the post-monsoon period. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about the latest weather updates and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks. Precautions such as staying indoors during the peak of the storm, securing loose objects that could become projectiles in strong winds, and avoiding waterlogged areas are being advised. The government has also directed local administrations to ensure that emergency services are on high alert and that shelters are ready for potential evacuations if the situation worsens.
Given the forecast, there is a significant concern about the cyclone’s potential to cause damage to infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where houses are less likely to withstand high wind speeds. The impact on agriculture is another area of concern, as heavy rains could lead to crop damage, especially in regions where harvesting is underway. The government has advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their crops and livestock from the severe weather conditions.
Cyclone Dana is expected to weaken gradually after making landfall, but it may still bring substantial rainfall as it moves inland. The IMD has indicated that while Odisha and West Bengal are likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone, its effects will extend to neighboring states, including Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. The widespread nature of the weather system means that preparedness efforts are required not only in the coastal regions but also in the interior areas that may experience heavy rainfall and related risks.
Efforts are being made to ensure that emergency response teams are equipped with adequate resources and are strategically positioned to respond to incidents quickly. Hospitals and medical facilities have been advised to prepare for potential casualties, and the electricity department is on standby to restore power outages that may occur due to the storm. Communication lines are also being kept open to facilitate coordination between different agencies involved in the cyclone response.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official weather forecasts and updates, as the situation can evolve rapidly. The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclone’s movement and provide timely alerts to help minimize its impact. Authorities remain committed to mitigating risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of people across the affected regions as Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coast.