Bhubaneswar: ACS Disaster Management and Special Relief Commissioner, Pradeep Jena keeping in view the IMD’s forecast on a possible cyclone likely on 26 May he has directed the Collectors of coastal districts to remain alert and take advance measures to face the eventuality, if any.
Mr.Jena hold discussion with the Coastal District DMs, SPs, ADMs. He also talked to the senior officials of the local meteorological office NDRF, ODRAF, Odisha Police and Fire Service.
“There is no confirmed information that the cyclone will make landfall in Odisha coast. We have received some preliminary reports from IMD which predicted a possible cyclonic storm in Odisha- West Bengal coast on May 26. There is also no information on which districts likely to be hit by the possible calamity,” Mr.Jena told Media after the meeting.
Mrutunjay Mohapatra, Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and H R Biswas, the Director of Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre are in touch with Mr.Jena.
District Magistrates have been told to remain vigil on the emerging situation.
Mr.Jena also appealed to media to broadcast cyclone related information in a responsible manner as cyclone path is not yet clear. “Some news channels are saying on the wind speed, possible location of land fall and other stories which have no basis,” he pointed out.
Earlier, the IMD has informed that a Low Pressure Area (LPA) very likely to be formed over north Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around 22 May which is very likely to intensify gradually into a Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 72 hours.
“It is very likely to move north-westwards and reach West Bengal – Odisha coasts around 26 May evening,” the IMD said in a statement.
IMD Director General Dr. Mohapatra, however, said: “It is premature to forecast place of landfall of the possible cyclone. The models now indicate that a cyclonic storm will be formed in West Bengal-Odisha coast.”
IMD also said that the Southwest monsoon is very likely to advance over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal around May 21, in association with the likely strengthening & deepening of south-westerly winds over the region.
“Other atmospheric & oceanic conditions like conducive environment for convection, sea surface temperatures are also remaining favorable for persistent cloudiness over Andaman Sea & adjoining areas of east-central and south-east Bay of Bengal around 22 May.” It said.
The IMD also warned light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places very likely to commence from 25 May evening over coastal districts of Odisha with significant increase in intensity and also spatial extension subsequently.
Under it influence, the IMD said squally wind speed reaching 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to prevail over Andaman Sea & adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal on 23 May.
“It is very likely to increase becoming 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from May 23 and further becoming Gale wind speed during 24-26 May over major parts of central Bay of Bengal and into north Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha – West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts during 25-27 May, IMD said.
During this period, the sea condition will be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal on23 May, High to very high over major parts of central Bay of Bengal during May 24th – 26th and into north Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha – West Bengal coasts during 25-27 May IMD said.
The IMD advised the fishermen not to venture into deep sea area of central Bay of Bengal from 23-25 May and into North Bay of Bengal along & Off Odisha Coast from 25-27 May 25.
Fishermen, those who are out in the deep sea are advised to return to the coast by 23 May, warned IMD.
