Bhubaneswar braces for Cyclone Dana: Schools shut, flights and trains cancelled

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, saw normal life disrupted on Thursday as Cyclone Dana approached the state’s coastline. Roads in the city witnessed minimal vehicular movement, while public spaces like the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal, airport, and railway station were sparsely populated, with many travellers stranded due to widespread cancellations.

Fewer commuters are seen on the road in Puri as precautionary measures have been implemented in view of Cyclone Dana. (PTI photo)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Cyclone Dana would make landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra early on Friday, with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph. Bhubaneswar is expected to experience wind speeds up to 80 kmph and heavy rainfall over Thursday and Friday.
In view of the approaching cyclone, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced the cancellation of 203 trains, disrupting travel for many, including tourists at the busy Bhubaneswar Railway Station.

Passengers wait for their trains at Bhubaneswar railway station after several trains were cancelled. (PTI Photo)

Meanwhile, flight operations at the Bhubaneswar airport were suspended from 5 pm today until 9 am on October 25, affecting around 40 domestic and international flights.
As a precautionary measure, all educational institutions in Bhubaneswar were shut from October 23 to 25. Government offices, shops, malls, and commercial establishments remained open but saw significantly reduced footfall. Even hospitals, like the state-run Capital Hospital, reported very low visitor numbers.
Authorities in the city have implemented several precautionary measures. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) set up 85 shelter homes equipped with basic amenities for residents seeking refuge. Pumps have been deployed to manage potential flooding in low-lying areas, and high-mast lights across the city have been lowered to prevent accidents.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, reported that 3.5 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, with 4,756 relief centers providing shelter.
Rescue operations have been bolstered with 385 rescue teams, including NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and fire services, along with 150 platoons of Odisha Police personnel, to handle emergencies and clear roads.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to “zero casualty” and has deployed senior officials and ministers to oversee rescue and relief efforts on the ground.
Meanwhile, the weather department has issued a red warning for heavy rainfall and high winds in four districts, including Bhadrak and Kendrapara, as the cyclone prepares to make landfall.