Bhubaneswar, Oct. 23: With Cyclone Dana on a direct path to strike between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra late Thursday or early Friday, an uneasy calm blankets the region. Coastal communities brace for impact, as warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) raise fears of widespread devastation.

Bhitarkanika, nestled in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, is a sanctuary of rare wildlife. Its mangrove forests form one of the last lines of defense against the incoming storm. Meanwhile, Dhamra, a bustling port town in Bhadrak district, prepares for the worst as this economic hub faces potential disruptions.

A Natural Barrier: Bhitarkanika’s Mangrove Wall

At the heart of the region's defense lies Bhitarkanika’s vast mangrove forest, a 200-square-kilometer expanse of trees whose intricate root systems act as a natural buffer against the sea’s fury. These mangroves are renowned for their ability to slow cyclonic winds, reduce storm surges, and prevent erosion. Home to 62 species—including Avicennia, Bruguiera, Heritiera, and Rhizophora—the mangroves are poised to absorb the brunt of Cyclone Dana's force.

Bhitarkanika's ecosystems are rich and varied. The forest shelters 215 bird species—among them, kingfishers, Brahminy ducks, and white-bellied sea eagles—alongside reptiles like the Indian python, king cobra, and the endangered saltwater crocodile. Mammals such as jackals and wild boar also inhabit the area, protected by the mangrove’s sprawling roots.

However, Dana’s forecasted 120 km/h winds and high tidal surges threaten to overwhelm these defenses. Both wildlife and local communities face an uncertain future as officials prepare for the storm's arrival.

Wildlife Rescue Efforts Underway

“We’ve deployed two rescue teams of seven members each to monitor and protect key species, particularly snakes and crocodiles that might stray into human areas after the storm,” said Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sudarsan Gopinath. The teams are also tasked with tracking other animals, such as deer and hare, in case of displacement caused by the cyclone.

The concern is that storm surges and powerful winds may not only uproot wildlife but destabilize entire ecosystems, leaving the region vulnerable to long-term ecological damage.

The Mangroves: Nature’s Lifesaver

According to Soumya Ranjan Biswal, a leading mangrove conservation activist, mangroves have long been hailed for their role in disaster mitigation. Their dense roots stabilize coastal soils, minimizing erosion and serving as natural barriers that slow down tidal forces and storm surges. By promoting sediment deposition, mangroves reduce the risk of flooding and protect inland areas.

More than just a physical shield, mangroves act as vital carbon sinks, storing significantly more carbon than tropical rainforests. This “blue carbon” is critical in combating climate change, which has led to stronger, more frequent storms like Cyclone Dana.

What’s at Stake?

Cyclone Dana presents more than an immediate threat to lives and infrastructure; it poses a grave challenge to Bhitarkanika’s delicate ecological balance. The mangroves, which have long protected this region, are integral to an ecosystem that supports countless species, from the fearsome saltwater crocodile to the elegant kingfisher. If Dana’s winds and surges overpower these natural defenses, the consequences for the park’s biodiversity could be catastrophic.

As Cyclone Dana draws near, the people of Odisha—and especially those in Bhitarkanika and Dhamra—hold onto hope that the mangrove forests will stand firm against the storm’s fury. Yet, as climate change intensifies, the resilience of these natural protectors remains uncertain. Will Bhitarkanika’s mangroves once again shield the land from destruction, or will they themselves fall victim to the increasingly harsh climate?

With the storm fast approaching, the fate of Bhitarkanika’s ecological treasures hangs in the balance.

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