Odisha CM reviews preparedness ahead of possible cyclone ‘Mocha’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today chaired a high-level meeting in view of the possible formation of cyclone ‘Mocha’ over the Bay of Bengal.

Recalling cyclone ‘Fani’ of 2019, the CM said determination of path of cyclones during summer season is difficult. He directed the concerned officials and departments to be in readiness to tackle any kind of eventuality.

He also advised for shifting of people residing in low-lying and vulnerable areas to cyclone shelters, if necessary.

The CM directed to prepare plans in advance for relief and restoration works in the aftermath of cyclone.

He also directed the Chief Secretary to review the situation regularly and asked the Special Relief Commissioner to work in coordination with all departments.

Chief Secretary Pradip Kumar Jena said all efforts will be made to ensure zero casualty during the calamity. All Collectors have been alerted in this regard. Around 1000 cyclone shelters are in readiness while more safe places including school buildings have been identified, the official said.

On the other hand, Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu said control rooms have been prepared after holding discussion with Collectors of 18 districts. As many as 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept ready, he said.

Notably, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal after May 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted.

“A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 06th May, 2023. Under its influence, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over the same region during subsequent 48 hours,” the agency said.

Though the IMD was yet to predict whether the low pressure area will become a cyclonic storm or not, international meteorologist Jason Nicholls has forecasted that the system may intensify into a cyclone and impact areas between eastern India and Myanmar.

A precise prediction regarding the path and intensity of the system can be made after formation of the low pressure area, weather experts opined.

The system will be named as cyclone ‘Mocha’ if it becomes a cyclonic storm.