Odisha govt alerts collectors on possible cyclonic storm

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today asked all district collectors to remain alert to a possible cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ which will trigger heavy rainfall in several parts of the State starting from October 9.

The collectors have been put on alert by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said squally winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph to 65 kmph are very likely along and off north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts from October 9.

“In view of the possible cyclone forecast, all concerned officials have been instructed to keep the administrative machinery in full preparedness to meet any eventuality,” a letter issued by SRC office stated.

The State government has also cancelled the leaves of its employees and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel have been instructed to be ready to deal with a possible emergency.

It also warned of heavy rainfall at some places in coastal districts such as Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Jagatsinghpur from September 9. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur at some places in coastal districts and interior parts of the State on September 10.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 8 as the conditions would be extremely rough between October 9 and 11. The fishermen who have gone for deep sea fishing have been asked to return to the coast at the earliest.

Speaking to reporters, Additional Director General (ADG) of the IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the depression now moving towards the coast of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is most likely intensify into a deep depression on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, an IMD bulletin said: “The well marked low pressure area over southeast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 8th October 2018 over east central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 14.0°N and longitude 88.8°E, about 720 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 690 km southeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).”

“It is very likely to intensify further into a Deep Depression during next 24 hours and into a Cyclonic Storm during subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards towards Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 72 hours,” the bulletin added.