The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall in Odisha and southern Bengal early Friday, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Odisha and West Bengal are evacuating around 12 lakh people ahead of severe cyclonic storm Dana, which is approaching the coast. Officials have expedited evacuations and set up cyclone centers, aiming for zero casualties amid heavy rainfall and rough.

Cyclone Dana is expected to hammer the low-lying regions of West Bengal and Odisha, home to around 150 million people, as a “severe cyclonic storm” late on Thursday or Friday morning, India’s weather bureau said. At least 1.1 million people on India’s eastern coast were fleeing to storm shelters inland, just hours before the storm’s arrival.

Cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph), IMD said. Track all updates here.

People living in low-lying areas in vulnerable districts have been shifted to relief centres, and all ferry services have been suspended. Fishermen have been warned not to go out to sea

Cyclone Dana to impact Odisha & West Bengal. Indian Navy launches HADR ops; Eastern Fleet ships deploy essential supplies. IAF aids NDRF transport.

Government prepares for severe cyclonic storm Dana in Bay of Bengal, taking precautionary measures and evacuating coastal areas.

Cyclone Dana has prompted the Odisha government to close schools and advise fishermen to avoid going till October 24

Please follow this space for all the news and latest updates on Cyclone Dana which is expected to make its landfall on Friday. The cyclonic system formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday and is set to bring heavy rainfall in several districts of southern West Bengal including North and South 24 Parganas,