West Bengal Rajbhavan sets up task force, control room to assist people

Cyclone Dana: West Bengal’s Resilience in the Face of Nature’s Fury

Kolkata (West Bengal) seems to be in the eye of the storm literally, as Cyclone Dana prepares for a monumental welcoming party — the kind that usually ends with a splash and perhaps a sudden loss of your favorite garden gnome. But fear not, dear readers! With an emergency meeting convened and a task force getting into action, it seems West Bengal is doing everything short of sending a fruit basket to the cyclone in hopes it will reconsider its approach.

Governor CV Anand Bose has put together a task force that would make even Avengers jealous, gathering experts to strategize like they’re preparing for the World Cup final. His hope is that the resilient people of Bengal will face this atmospheric tantrum with the kind of gusto usually reserved for a local cricket match.

First and foremost, the Governor’s advice? Don’t panic! Which sounds easier than it actually is when you hear “cyclone” and “imminent landfall” in the same breath! But, he suggests remaining calm and calling upon your inner Zen while you make contingency plans. His message is clear: stay in safe places, and if you’re near vulnerable areas, your best bet might be finding a sturdy tree — no, not the one that just fell over, thank you very much!

The Raj Bhavan is rolling out a 24×7 control room, because, apparently, “landfall” doesn’t take coffee breaks. If you’re feeling particularly chatty and want to keep up with the latest cyclone gossip, you can ring them up at 033-22001641 or shoot them an email. After all, nothing says “I’m prepared” like a good ole’ electronic correspondence.

Flights Suspended: Heads Up, Jetsetters!

In anticipation of Cyclone Dana making its grand entrance, flights at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata will be grounded — starting from 6:00 PM on October 25 until 9:00 AM on October 26. Now, for those of you thinking of becoming storm chasers, put those travel plans on ice! The folks at the airport have decided that safety comes first; the free-for-all sliding on the runway will have to wait.

A Call for Preparedness

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has shared that Cyclone Dana is likely to crank its intensity up a notch, moving towards severe cyclonic status quicker than a teenager reaching for their phone when they hear “free Wi-Fi.” So while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) stand ready across Odisha and West Bengal, in addition to our brave soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, one can’t help but wonder — will nature ever take a day off?

So, as you settle down with your popcorn plants and ride out this cyclone, just remember: it’s not just about weathering the storm; it’s about keeping the spirit alive! Stay tuned for updates, hold onto your hats, and just maybe, keep a gnome or two indoors — you never know when a cyclone might target your décor!