How Geography Protected Odisha from Cyclone Dana

The impact of Cyclone Dana on Odisha was notably reduced due to a distinctive topographical configuration. Two anticyclones surrounding the strong cyclone established a natural containment system, thereby diminishing its intensity through a sandwiching effect.

The anticyclone over the Arabian Sea brought arid airflow from the north-northwest, while another active region on the eastern side limited the cyclone's impact. This positioning not only limited Dana's expansion but also preserved its consistent northward course, facilitating improved disaster preparedness.

The hurricane made landfall in Bhitarkanika National Park between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM, where 209 square kilometers of mangrove forest served as a natural barrier. The forest at Kendrapada was essential in reducing damage at the landfall site, demonstrating nature's inherent defensive system against calamities.

Weather patterns throughout the event were meticulously observed. Wind speeds first attained 110-120 km/h during coastline traversal but thereafter diminished to 60-80 km/h. 

The storm surge attained heights of one to two meters above astronomical tide levels, impacting low-lying regions in Kendrapada and Bhadrak districts.

The cyclone's effects were predominantly observed in northern Odisha, with Chandbali in Bhadrak district registering the maximum rainfall of 158.6 mm over a 24-hour period until Friday morning. Seven further sites in the Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj districts recorded precipitation beyond 100 mm.

Alert ⚠️🚨
Heavy Rain, Strong Winds In Odisha, Bengal As Cyclone Dana Makes Landfall :

Cyclone Dana has made landfall on the Odisha coast leading to heavy rain and strong winds in several areas. The storm made landfall between Bhitarkanika in the Kendrapara district and Dhamra… pic.twitter.com/06QzbckdZ1

— Santosh Yadav (@Santosh_Rst) October 25, 2024

The state government's preventive measures resulted in the evacuation of nearly six hundred thousand individuals. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, encountering his inaugural significant natural calamity since assuming office in June, attributed the effective reaction to collaborative collaboration. The state upheld its zero-casualty objective, despite the death of an 82-year-old lady in a cyclone shelter from unrelated health complications.

ରେଡ଼କ୍ରସ ଭବନରେ ରିଲିଫ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତିର ସ୍ଥିତି ଓ ଅଗ୍ରଗତି ସମୀକ୍ଷା କଲି I ବାତ୍ୟା ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ସମୟରେ ରିଲିଫ ସାମଗ୍ରୀ ପ୍ୟାକେଟ ପ୍ରଦାନ କରାଯିବ, ଯେଉଁଥିରେ ଚୁଡ଼ା, ଛତୁଆ, ଚିନି, କ୍ୟାଣ୍ଡେଲ, ବିସ୍କୁଟ ଓ ପାଣି ଭଳି ଆବଶ୍ୟକୀୟ ସାମଗ୍ରୀ ରହିଛି I #OdishaBravesDana pic.twitter.com/hS4SBEvRuR

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 24, 2024

After making landfall, Dana diminished into a depression, persistently delivering substantial rainfall to northern regions. The IMD issued red alerts for the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj for the next 24 hours, although rainfall activity was anticipated to decrease by Saturday.

The experience illustrated the interplay between natural geographical features and atmospheric circumstances in alleviating cyclonic effects, while emphasizing the significance of preparedness and coordinated disaster response initiatives.

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