Cyclone Dana Affects Bihar: Boating Banned in Munger, PHCs on Alert in Nalanda

Patna: The impact of Cyclone Dana is being felt across various districts of Bihar, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for some parts of South Bihar. In response, boating in the Ganga at Munger has been prohibited on October 24 and 25, following a directive from the Disaster Management Department.

The cyclone, originating from the Bay of Bengal, has also led to the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Nalanda being placed on high alert. In Supaul, crops have suffered significant damage due to rainfall since the night before. Heavy rains have been reported in Bhagalpur and Purnia as the cyclone’s effects take hold.

Sunil Narayan, Director of the Patna Meteorological Center, reassured the public, stating there is currently no cause for alarm regarding Cyclone Dana. He urged caution and emphasized that the meteorological team is closely monitoring the situation. He explained that the cyclone’s impact stems from low-pressure systems at sea, which draw in strong winds that affect coastal and nearby states.

Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal tonight, affecting 13 districts in Bihar, including Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Lakhisarai, Nawada, Gaya, Katihar, Purnia, and Kishanganj. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 20 to 40 kilometers per hour in various districts, with rain expected in several areas of east and south Bihar.

In Bhagalpur, the weather shifted dramatically with overcast skies and high winds, along with intermittent light drizzle. Purnia has seen rainfall beginning late the previous evening, raising concerns for farmers in the midst of the paddy harvest season. Rakesh Kumar, an assistant scientist at the Purnia Meteorological Center, noted a yellow alert has been issued for the surrounding areas, warning of possible strong winds and lightning.

As a precautionary measure, 12 trains across the state have been cancelled, and flights to and from Kolkata have been disrupted. The South-East Railway Zone has cancelled over 150 express and passenger trains due to the cyclone, with more cancellations possible. In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed that the state is prepared for the storm, with primary and secondary schools in nine districts closed until October 26.

The cyclone, named ‘Dana’ by Saudi Arabia, signifies generosity. Meteorologist SK Patel indicated that while strong winds will affect the state, the cyclone is unlikely to influence cold weather conditions significantly.