Kolkata, October 22: In response to Cyclone "Dana" approaching, the West Bengal government has announced the closure of schools and colleges in nine districts from October 23 to 25.
The affected districts include East Midnapore, West Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata.
Additionally, all Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers in these districts will also remain closed.
Ferry services will be suspended across vulnerable areas, and fishermen have been urged to avoid venturing into the deep sea.
District administrations have been asked to relocate residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reassured that the government is fully prepared for any emergency.
Control rooms are set up at both state and district levels, and a meeting was held with key officials to ensure readiness.
Nodal officers have been appointed for seven districts likely to face severe impacts.
A state Cabinet meeting is scheduled for October 24, and the Chief Minister advised ministers from vulnerable districts to avoid traveling to Kolkata during the cyclone threat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23 and reach the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24.
