Home

>

Travel

>

Cyclone Dana: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve Closed, Kolkata Faces Waterlogging & More Updates 

Cyclone Dana has caused havoc in Odisha and West Bengal.

by Sanjana Shenoy
Cyclone Dana: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve Closed, Kolkata Faces Waterlogging & More Updates 

Odisha and West Bengal are reeling under the distress caused by Cyclone Dana. The cyclone claimed two lives in West Bengal as the capital Kolkata continues to remain on high alert. After making landfall on the Odisha coast, the severe cyclone inundated the streets of Kolkata and flooded government-run SSKm Hospital and Municipal Corporation headquarters in Esplanade. Odisha has shut down Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Similipal Tiger Reserve Closed Till Oct 28

The heavy rainfall, storm and aftermath of the cyclone have led to the closure of Odisha’s famous Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). This tiger reserve was initially closed to visitors from October 23 to 25. While it was scheduled to reopen on Saturday, an official stated to Hindustan Times that it will remain closed till October 28. This is due to the heavy rains in the forest.

cyclone dana
Picture Credits: Canva Pro
The closure period has been extended to three days, stated a STR official to HT. Spanning over 2,750 sq km of area, Similipal is synonymous with the Royal Bengal Tigers. This forest reserve also houses leopards, Asian elephants, barking deer, jungle cats, giant squirrels and four-horned antelope. It’s home to 242 species of birds, 30 reptiles and 42 species of mammals.

Kolkata Roads Face Waterlogging

Flooding was witnessed in Bhadrak, Balasore and Kendrapara, three coastal districts of Odisha. Mohan Charan Majhi Chief Minister of Odisha stressed that no fatality report has been received. He is focused on the “zero casualty mission” in Odisha. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed one person died due to the calamity.  IMD DG Mrutunjay Mohapatra stated to NDTV that the system will continue to remain as the cyclone will gradually weaken on Friday.

As it moves deeper into Odisha. This may trigger heavy rains in most places of the state. Starting around 12:05 AM on Friday, the landfall of Cyclone Dana entered Dhamra in Bhadrak and Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara districts of Odisha. The cyclone had wind speeds of around 110 kmph.

Meanwhile, if you have any plans of visiting Odisha or West Bengal, then do think it through amid the cyclone alerts.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro (Image used for representation)

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: October 26, 2024 12:12 PM