Cyclone Yaas to intensify
Cyclonic storm to hit with wind speed of 120-160 kmph; location of the landfall not yet known; states get ready
A policeman warns beach users of the impending cyclonic storm at Puri, Odisha, on Saturday. Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coast on May 26. It is expected to pack windspeeds of up to 160 kmph. Where exactly the cyclone would make its landfall is not yet known.
The cyclonic circulation formed over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday developed into low pressure over east-central Bay of Bengal. It will intensify into a depression on Sunday morning and then move towards north and northwestwards. On Monday, it is very likely to develop into a cyclonic storm. Subsequently, the cyclonic storm will move northwestwards and reach Odisha-West Bengal Coast around May 26 evening (Wednesday) as a very severe cyclonic storm, India Meteor-ological Department (IMD) forecasted on Saturday
The very severe cyclonic storm which has been named ‘Yaas’ will hit the coast with a wind speed of 120-160 kilometre per hour (kmph) gusting up to 185 kmph and heavy downpours, the IMD said.
According IMD director general Dr Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, the exact location of the landfall of ‘Yaas’ was not yet known and the weather agency was examining the course of the cyclone.
“The severe cyclonic storm will pass through Odisha-West Bengal coast on Wednesday morning and we are studying the course of the cyclone to ascertain the exact location where it is most likely to make its landfall,” said Dr Mohapatra.
Under the impact of the low-pressure, some parts of coastal Odisha on Saturday experienced light to moderate rainfall. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in most of the places in the state after May Tuesday, the IMD predicted, adding, rainfall intensity is likely to go up further in next few days with intensification of the system.
The fishermen have been advised to remain away from venturing into the deep Central Bay of Bengal between May 23 and May 27 as the sea condition would remain very rough during the period.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik who reviewed the cyclone preparedness on Saturday directed secretaries of all departments concerned and the collectors coastal districts to remain in readiness to address the situation.
A review
meeting chaired by chief secretary Suresh Mohapatra was held on Friday in presence of Special Relief Commissioner P.K. Jena, director general of state police, Shri Abhay, Odisha Fire Services DG and top officers of various departments.
Mr Mohapatra said preparatory measures for the evacuation of affected people, cyclone shelter management and postcyclone restoration were in full swing.
Five teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from the third battalion at Mundali in Cuttack which were deputed to Gujarat have been brought back and kept in readiness for deployment.
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire services personnel have also been kept ready for action in the areas likely to be hit by the cyclone.
THE STATE government is in touch with the Coast Guard personnel patrolling in the deep sea to ensure that no fishing boat remained in the sea
THE RAILWAYS has cancelled 74 trains passing through East Coast Railway jurisdiction