Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and reach the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds in both the states, the Met office said Sunday.
According to weather officials, wind speeds along and off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are anticipated to reach 60 km/h from October 23, increasing to 120 km/hour from October 24 night to October 25 morning.
The officials said that the weather system is expected to move west-northwestwards direction and intensify into a depression by October 22 morning and into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over east-central Bay of Bengal.
“Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning,” they said.
Under its influence, the coastal region of Odisha and West Bengal is likely to receive heavy rainfall from October 23 to 25, the IMD said, advising fishermen to return to the shore by October 21.
IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system is likely to take the shape of a severe cyclonic storm.
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He said parts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 23 onwards.
“Some places in the coastal region may experience 20 cm rainfall on October 24-25. The intensity of the spell may also increase to 20 to 30 cm, and above 30 at some places,” he told.
The IMD has not made any forecast on landfall location and intensity, he said.
Light to moderate rainfall is also likely in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, the bulletin said.
Squally wind with speed reaching 40-50 gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to commence from October 23 evening in Odisha-West Bengal coasts, and it would gradually increase to 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph from October 24 night to October 25 morning.
The IMD said during that period, the sea conditions are likely to be rough.
The IMD has issued a red warning for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm), with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) and thunderstorms with lightning, for Puri, Khurda, Ganjam and Jagatsinghpur districts October 24.
An orange warning is in place for Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal and Gajapati, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) along with thunderstorms.
Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts, predicting heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) and thunderstorms.
The Odisha government has placed all district collectors on alert, with coastal district administrations on high alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and gusty winds potentially exceeding 100 km/hour.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state is fully prepared to address the situation, emphasising proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the expected cyclone. He noted that discussions with relevant officials have been held, and district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant.
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and fire service personnel are on standby and will be deployed once the IMD determines the cyclone’s landfall location and wind intensity.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja held a review meeting with senior officials, including Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) DK Singh. The district collectors have been tasked with preparing cyclone shelters to accommodate residents if evacuations become necessary.
The SRC outlined the state’s goal of achieving ‘Zero Casualty’ to ensure no loss of life or livestock during the calamity. Pregnant women in likely affected areas will be moved to nearby hospitals, and the public has been advised to stay alert but not panic.
PTI