Cyclonic storm to hit Odisha May 20, Coast Guard alert
Bhubaneswar: The wellmarked low pressure over southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday intensified into a depression over the same region and it would soon turn into the cyclonic storm which has been christened as “Amphan.” According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the possible cyclonic storm is moving towards West Bengal and may hit the coast on May 20, Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena said.
The well-marked low pressure over southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday intensified into a depression over the same region and it would soon turn into the cyclonic storm which has been christened as “Amphan.”
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the morning, the possible cyclonic storm is moving towards West Bengal and may hit the coast on May 20, Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena said on Saturday.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has prepared itself for maritime search and rescue operations. “All-out efforts have been made in the maritime states of West Bengal and Odisha in coordination with the state administration and fisheries department,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Coast Guard ships and aircraft on patrol are directing fishing boats operating at sea to return to the respective harbours for safety, it said.
Speaking to reporters here, SRC Mr Jena said it was early to predict the exact path of the system, which will be intensified into a cyclonic storm by Saturday evening over the Bay of Bengal.
In view of the possible cyclonic storm, Odisha Government has alerted 12 coastal districts to remain prepared.
Especially the coastal districts in southern and northern regions have been asked to remain alert. Under influence of cyclonic storm, the rain will start from May 18 evening in south coastal districts upto Kendrapara. Heavy rainfall may occur in north Odisha districts on May 19 with wind speed upto 60 kmph and gusting upto 80-85 kmph.
The wind speed may gradually increase upto 110 kmph in some places. The coastal districts will experience heavy rainfall on May 20, the day of landfall, Mr Jena said.
◗ IN VIEW of the possible cyclonic storm, Odisha Government has alerted 12 coastal districts to remain prepared. Especially the coastal districts in southern and northern regions have been asked to remain alert.