As Cyclone Dana intensifies over Odisha, historical precedents reveal the severe impact of past cyclones. While evacuations have improved safety, the economic toll and infrastructural damage remain significant challenges for affected regions.

Cyclone Dana is expected to hammer the low-lying regions of West Bengal and Odisha, home to around 150 million people, as a “severe cyclonic storm” late on Thursday or Friday morning, India’s weather bureau said. At least 1.1 million people on India’s eastern coast were fleeing to storm shelters inland, just hours before the storm’s arrival.

A powerful cyclone is expected to barrel into India's eastern coast early on Friday. Here are some key details about its landfall and intensity, and the measures being taken by authorities to protect people and property.