Cyclone Bulbul: Odisha deploys NDRF, ODRAF teams in coastal districts

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today decided to deploy NDRF and ODRAF teams in coastal districts of the State as a precautionary measure following the India Meteorological Department forecast that Cyclone Bulbul is likely to lash the State with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday.

Special Relief Commissioner Pradip Jena said authorities have been asked to send the NDRF and ODRAF teams to the districts likely to be affected by today to help in relief and rescue. Besides, the district collectors of nine districts have been asked to remain alert and keep cyclone shelters ready with all required arrangements.

Residents of low lying areas have been advised not to venture out of their home during heavy rain.

According to the IMD, Bulbul will cause light to moderate rain in the north coastal districts and isolated heavy falls in Puri, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts on November 8.

“Heavy to very heavy rains have been forecast for Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts and heavy rains at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Jajpur districts on November 9,” the IMD said.

The IMD has predicted gale reaching 70-80 kmph and increasing to 90 kmph towards November 9 afternoon in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak districts. Puri, Ganjam and Jajpur districts are likely to experience squall (40-50kmph to 60 kmph) on November 8-9.

The IMD has also issued warning on likely damages to property in the coastal districts.