Cyclone Dana: Schools, Colleges Closed in Odisha and West Bengal Following Landfall

The cyclone's aftermath has also led to the postponement of the Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination scheduled for October 27, with new dates to be announced later.

Cyclone Dana hit Odisha's coast between Kendrapara and Bhadrak, bringing heavy rain and 110 kmph winds.

Cyclone Dana has made landfall on the Odisha coast, prompting authorities in Odisha and West Bengal to close schools, colleges, and educational institutions in multiple districts. The storm, which struck between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara and Dhamra in Bhadrak, brought heavy rain and strong winds, disrupting normal life across the region.

Educational Institutions Closed Until October 26

In response to Cyclone Dana, the Odisha government declared a holiday for all schools, colleges, and universities in 14 districts from October 23 to October 25. Districts such as Puri, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara, and others are under high alert due to the storm's severe weather conditions. The Odisha Higher Education Department has issued a notification confirming the closures as a precautionary measure.

Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that educational institutions in nine districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, will remain closed until October 26. The closures come in the wake of advisories from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which highlighted the cyclone's intensity and its expected effects on the region.

Proactive Measures Across Affected Regions

Authorities in both states evacuated over 1.1 million people to relief camps, with shelters set up to minimize casualties. Following its landfall, Cyclone Dana is expected to gradually weaken, though heavy rain and winds reaching up to 110 kmph have continued to affect the coastal districts.

Government agencies, including fire brigade teams, NDRF, and defense forces, are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations across affected areas, ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating the storm's impact.

The cyclone's aftermath has also led to the postponement of the Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination scheduled for October 27, with new dates to be announced later.