The depression over the East Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression. It is likely to deepen into a cyclonic storm today and further into a very severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow. Indian Meteorological Department has said that it may cross North Odisha-West Bengal coast on Wednesday.
According to the IMD, it now lies centred at about 540 kilometres south- south east of Paradeep in Odisha. AIR correspondent reports that backgrounded against the preliminary cyclonic forecast of a wind speed between 120 to 165 kilometres per hour, heavy to very heavy rainfall between 250 to 300 millimetres and accompanying storm surges between 3 to 4 metres, the Odisha Government is ready with all the preemptive and preparatory plans to face the probable cyclone, should the landfall happen anywhere near the North Odisha coast.
While primacy would be given to prompt evacuation of vulnerable people in vulnerable places , including those living in low lying areas, the government has also made adequate arrangements for cyclone shelters with necessary logistics, focus is also being made to ensure the smooth functioning of covid-19 facilities in the areas likely to be affected by the impending cyclone. Meanwhile, 22 NDRF, 66 ODRAF and 177 fire fighting teams are already in position for rescue relief and restoration operations.
There is Chance of heavy rains and storms across the Gangetic West Bengal including Kolkata.
The meteorological office has banned fishermen from going to sea from this evening.
The state administration is fully geared up to deal with the cyclone. The Unified Command Agency will start work from today.
Army-NDRF-BSNL officials along with Public Works Department and CESC officials have formed a special team to deal with the disaster.
On the other hand, various cyclone centers have also been set up in coastal areas.
Already many people have been evacuated to safer places. The district collector of East Midnapore held a review meeting to deal with the cyclone.
Coastal areas are being monitored by drones and 32 NDRF teams have already reached the state.