Cyclone Dana death toll increases to four in West Bengal.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Dana, a civic volunteer and an employee of the Howrah Municipal Corporation were found dead, bringing the total death toll in West Bengal to four. The cyclone caused widespread devastation, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure and homes across the region. Authorities reported that rescue and relief operations were hampered due to the severe weather conditions. Local officials expressed their condolences and emphasized the need for immediate support for affected communities. The government is working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those displaced or impacted by the cyclone’s impact on the area.
Kolkata: The death toll from Cyclone Dana in West Bengal has risen to four, as two more individuals tragically lost their lives due to the storm’s devastating effects, officials reported on Saturday, October 26. The cyclone, which struck the eastern coast on Friday, unleashed torrential rain and high-speed winds, causing widespread destruction and posing significant challenges for local authorities.
One of the deceased was a civic volunteer identified as Chandan Das, 31, who died instantly when he allegedly came into contact with a live wire in Bud Bud, located in the Purba Bardhaman district. This incident occurred while he was out on duty with a police team, underscoring the dangers that first responders face during such natural disasters. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the weather conditions were particularly treacherous at the time, leading to hazardous situations like exposed live wires and falling debris.
In a separate incident, an employee of the Howrah Municipal Corporation was discovered dead on a waterlogged road in Tantipara. Authorities suspect that he succumbed to drowning, further emphasizing the cyclone’s deadly impact. As emergency services continued to respond to the aftermath of the storm, officials expressed their condolences to the families of those affected and underscored the need for immediate assistance for those impacted by the cyclone.
The state had reported two additional fatalities on Friday, both attributed to electrocution. One person lost their life in Patharpratima, located in the South 24 Parganas district, while another individual was reported dead in Bhabanipur, a neighborhood in south Kolkata. These tragic incidents highlight the myriad dangers posed by Cyclone Dana, which not only brought fierce winds and heavy rain but also created hazardous conditions such as downed power lines and flooding.
The cyclone made landfall in the early hours of Friday, beginning around 12:05 AM between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara and Dhamra in Bhadrak district of Odisha, with wind speeds reaching approximately 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph). The landfall lasted until about 8:30 AM, during which time the cyclone wreaked havoc on both Odisha and West Bengal, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and leading to significant crop losses.
As the storm passed, local authorities scrambled to assess the damage and restore essential services, including electricity and water supply. Rescue teams were deployed to assist those trapped in flooded areas and to clear roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. The government urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improved.
In West Bengal, the impact of Cyclone Dana was felt across multiple districts, with reports of extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure. Many families were left without power, as electrical poles were uprooted or snapped by the strong winds. The agricultural sector was also hit hard, with farmers reporting severe losses to crops that were either damaged or destroyed by the intense rainfall and flooding.
Local government officials worked around the clock to ensure that relief efforts were initiated promptly. Emergency shelters were set up for those displaced by the storm, and food and medical supplies were distributed to affected communities. The state government also coordinated with various NGOs and volunteer organizations to enhance relief operations and ensure that aid reached those in need.
While the immediate focus remained on rescue and relief efforts, officials acknowledged the long-term challenges posed by such natural disasters. Cyclone Dana has brought to light the vulnerabilities faced by communities along the eastern coast of India, where climate change and erratic weather patterns are increasingly contributing to the frequency and intensity of cyclonic storms.
Experts have called for enhanced disaster preparedness and improved infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future cyclones. Recommendations include investing in resilient housing, better drainage systems to manage heavy rainfall, and comprehensive training programs for first responders to handle emergencies effectively.
As the state mourns the loss of life due to Cyclone Dana, there is also a call to action for increased investment in disaster management and climate resilience. The lessons learned from this cyclone could prove invaluable in protecting lives and property in the future.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, officials remain vigilant, monitoring weather patterns and preparing for any potential follow-up storms. The impact of Cyclone Dana serves as a stark reminder of the natural forces that can disrupt lives and the importance of community preparedness and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the coming days, as the situation stabilizes, the government will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage and initiate necessary recovery measures. Community support will be vital as residents begin the long process of rebuilding and healing from the devastation caused by Cyclone Dana.