The Odisha government has issued high alert in at least 14 of the state’s 30 districts in the wake of the IMD’s forecast of a possible cyclone crossing Odisha-West Bengal coast by May 26 morning.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, after a meeting with senior officials on Friday, said that the administration is geared up to meet the eventuality if cyclone ‘Yaas’ has any impact on the state. The government has urged the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to be prepared for the emerging situation.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena, who held a series of meetings on the matter, spoke to collectors of 14 districts, different line departments, power distribution companies, telecom providers, authorities of NDRF, ODRAF, Odisha police, state Fire Service and apprised them about their role during the crisis.
IMD in its belletion has informed that a low-pressure system is likely to form over Bay of Bengal on May 22. This may intensify into depression on May 23 and into cyclone on May 24. The cyclone is likely to make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal. The system is very likely to move north-westwards and reach Odisha-West Bengal coast around May 26 morning. The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into deep sea area of central Bay of Bengal between May 23 and May 25 and into north Bay of Bengal along and off Odisha coast from May 24 to May 27.
