Mamata says will stay awake all night at Nabanna to monitor Cyclone Dana

As West Bengal braces for the impending impact of Cyclone Dana, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her commitment to staying awake at the state secretariat, Nabanna, throughout the night to personally monitor the situation. “I will stay awake all night at Nabanna and monitor the situation,” she stated during a press conference. The cyclone is anticipated to make landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamara in Odisha, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 120 km/h, bringing the threat of strong winds and heavy rain to various parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata.

Banerjee detailed the extensive evacuation measures being implemented by the state government. A total of 356,941 individuals from low-lying areas have been identified for relocation, with 159,337 residents already agreeing to evacuate to safety. The state has set up 851 relief camps, currently housing over 83,547 individuals who are being accommodated in preparation for the storm's approach.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “It would be a mistake to think there will be no damage just because landfall may not occur directly in West Bengal.” She added, “The most valuable thing is human life. This is a fight to save lives.” 

In response to the storm, the West Bengal government has evacuated 282,863 people across eight districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas, Bankura, and Hooghly. To support these efforts, twenty-two companies of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed, along with a substantial number of police personnel and district administration officials. Educational institutions in the affected districts have also been closed as a precautionary measure.

To facilitate effective communication and coordination, a control room has been established at Nabanna to monitor the situation 24/7. Emergency helpline numbers have been released for residents to report emergencies and seek assistance. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has set up its own control room and has emergency workers on standby, while Kolkata Police has also announced dedicated helpline numbers for public safety.

In a special effort to protect vulnerable populations, pregnant women nearing their delivery dates have been prioritized for evacuation. Health care workers have reported transferring these women to Sagar Gramin Hospital in South 24 Parganas, ensuring that 100 expectant mothers are safely accommodated with medical support. With the state on high alert, Chief Minister Banerjee has called on residents to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about updates and adhering to safety protocols as Cyclone Dana approaches.