The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu about the impending danger posed by Cyclone Dana, which is forming in the Bay of Bengal. The low-pressure area over the Bay intensified into a severe depression by Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, it is expected to become a cyclone, and there are chances it could strengthen into a severe cyclone by Thursday morning. The IMD predicts that the cyclone could cross the coast between Puri and Sagar Island from midnight Thursday to early Friday. The impact of the cyclone on Andhra Pradesh may be limited. However, according to current estimates, if the depression changes its course due to local conditions in Odisha and West Bengal, it may head towards Bangladesh. Officials have reported widespread rainfall in the Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Srikakulam districts.
In response, the South Central Railway has canceled and diverted nearly 200 train services. Several trains are being canceled on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, and 29th, according to officials. Helpline numbers have been established in 17 villages for information on train operations in key centers across the Telugu states. Meanwhile, Odisha is on high alert due to the cyclone. As a precautionary measure, all examinations scheduled from the 23rd to the 25th have been canceled. The Odisha Civil Service Preliminary Exam, set for the 27th, has also been postponed, along with the closure of national parks and zoos.