Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Cyclone Dana, currently gaining strength over the Bay of Bengal, is steadily advancing towards the Odisha coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of its likely intensification into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday. The storm, currently located 650 km from Paradip, is moving slowly at around 3 kmph, raising concerns about its potentially severe impact upon landfall.
Satellite images suggest that Cyclone Dana may make landfall between Bhadrak and Balasore districts, although the exact location is yet to be confirmed by the IMD. Under the influence of the storm, heavy rainfall and high winds are expected in these areas.
As of the latest updates, the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has transformed into a cyclone, with the turbulent waters revealing a visible eye of the storm. The system is likely to move north-northwestwards, intensifying further as it edges closer to the Odisha and West Bengal coasts. IMD predicts landfall to occur between Thursday night and Friday morning, with wind speeds expected to reach 100-110 kmph, and potentially peaking at 120 kmph.
Widespread alerts have been issued across Odisha. According to the IMD, wind speeds will be highest in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore, with gusts ranging from 100-110 kmph. Mayurbhanj will experience winds between 80-90 kmph, while Puri, Cuttack, Jajpur, Khurda, and Bhubaneswar are expected to see speeds of 60-80 kmph. Sundargarh, Angul, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Boudh, Sambalpur, and Deogarh will experience slightly lower wind speeds between 40-60 kmph.
The storm will also bring significant rainfall, with heavy downpours predicted to start Wednesday evening in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri districts. By Thursday, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecasted for Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur, prompting the issuance of a red alert in these districts.
An orange alert has been issued for Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Puri, and Ganjam, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, a yellow alert covers Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, and Kandhamal.
With the intensifying storm, danger signal number 1 has been hoisted at all ports in Odisha, urging fishermen to stay away from the sea, and residents to take necessary precautions as Cyclone Dana approaches.
