In response to the impending threat posed by Cyclone Dana, the West Bengal government has announced the closure of schools across several districts. The decision, aimed at ensuring the safety of students, will see educational institutions in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata shut down from October 23 to October 26.
The announcement comes as weather forecasts predict severe weather conditions due to Cyclone Dana, which is expected to impact the state with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Authorities have urged schools to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of children, leading to this precautionary measure to avoid any potential accidents or disruptions.
Local administrations have been directed to prepare for the cyclone's impact, which includes setting up shelters for those in vulnerable areas and ensuring adequate emergency services are in place. The government is working closely with meteorological departments to monitor the cyclone's trajectory and severity, providing timely updates to the public.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may develop into Cyclone Dana by October 23, with landfall expected between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of October 24.