Authorities in India are evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the path of an approaching cyclone in the eastern states of Odisha (formerly Orissa) and West Bengal. Thousands of relief workers have been deployed to minimise damage from Cyclone Dana, which is expected to make landfall in the next 24 hours.

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.