Bhubaneswar: Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu today reviewed the situation arising due to severe cyclonic storm “Remal” (pronounced as “Re-Mal”) over North Bay of Bengal.
The cyclonic storm moved nearly northwards, with a speed of 6 kmph during past 6 hours, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centered at 5.30 AM of today, over North Bay of Bengal near about 290 km southsouthwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 330 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 270 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 390 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) and 310 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal).
The SRC reviewed the situation today with Collectors of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada on the severe cyclonic storm. Rain is continuing in those Districts and rain and wind action may be there today. He advised the Collectors of above districts to use ODRAF and Fire Services in case a situation arises.
The cyclone is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by midnight of today as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph.
Under its impact, light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall likely over most places of Mayurbhanj, Kendrapada, Balasore and Bhadrak.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the central Bay of Bengal till May 27. So far, 19511 fishing boats across FH/FLCs have already been safely berthed and Secretary, F&ARD has given certificate to that effect, sources said.
The four district collectors are further advised to remain in full alert and the situation is closely monitored, ACS Shri Sahu said.