Kolkata: Cyclone Dana has had a limited impact in West Bengal, primarily resulting in heavy rainfall across coastal districts and nearby areas, though no significant destruction was reported in the two coastal regions most affected, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas.
Intense rainfall commenced late Thursday night in various South Bengal districts, including Kolkata, and is expected to continue throughout the day before tapering off in the evening, according to the Regional Meteorological Office in Kolkata.
The state administration noted that the areas in the coastal Sundarbans, such as Namkhana, Sagar Islands, and Patharpratima, experienced the most impact during the cyclone’s landfall, with numerous trees uprooted due to strong winds. Trident lampposts, particularly near ‘Kapil Muni Ashram’ in Sagar Island, suffered significant damage.
A red alert remains in effect for South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. During landfall, wind speeds reached up to 120 kilometers per hour in coastal regions, decreasing to around 90 kilometers per hour after the event.
As Cyclone Dana is expected to weaken to a deep depression by this evening, the heavy rainfall poses a risk to harvestable crops, particularly paddy and potatoes. Additionally, rising prices for some essential food items are anticipated in retail markets ahead of the upcoming festive celebrations of Kali Puja and Diwali.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, and State Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty were present at the state secretariat, Nabanna, throughout Thursday night to oversee the response from the control room.