Schools Closed:
The looming threat of Cyclone 'Dana' over Odisha and West Bengal has urged action. Formed over the Bay of Bengal, this low-pressure area is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone by October 23, potentially hitting Odisha and West Bengal shores by October 24. Anticipated heavy rains until Friday have prompted the West Bengal government to declare a four-day holiday encompassing nine districts, including Kolkata. Thus, all government schools will remain closed from October 23 to 27, a five-day safety measure.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the closure of government schools in nine districts, including Kolkata, from October 23 to 26 as a precaution against Cyclone 'Dana'. She noted that relief supplies are stocked, and cyclone shelters in coastal areas are prepared.
During a press conference at the state secretariat, CM Mamata Banerjee highlighted that principal secretaries from various departments are assigned to oversee districts like North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Bankura, East and West Midnapore, and Jhargram. They'll monitor the situation closely, ensuring that ministers do not leave these areas until the cyclone subsides. Additionally, as a safety measure, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers will also be closed.
Mamata Banerjee emphasized, "During this period, ICDS centers will remain shut, and tourism activities in coastal cities are halted. Fishermen venturing into the Bay of Bengal have been instructed to return immediately."
It's worth noting that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Monday that wind speeds could reach up to 60 kilometers per hour (km/h) on the coast between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, escalating to 100-110 km/h, and potentially even 120 km/h.
