Forecast / Next 48 hours very heavy: Threat of cyclone in this state in Diwali itself, government alert

Cyclone C-Wave may turn into depression over central Bay of Bengal on October 22, Met department said

Ahead of Diwali, the threat of a severe cyclone is looming over Odisha. According to the IMD, a cyclonic sea-wave is active in and around the North Andaman Sea. A low pressure area is likely to form over east-central Bay of Bengal in the next 12 hours. The Meteorological Department said that on October 22, the cyclonic sea-wave may turn into a depression in the central Bay of Bengal. After next 48 hours on 23rd or 24th October, Cyclone in West Central Bay of Bengal may take the form of a storm.

Ahead of the cyclone, the Odisha government has ordered senior officials of cyclone-prone districts to be on alert. In view of the possible storm, the government has ordered the cancellation of holidays for government employees. In view of the situation, an alert has been issued in the coastal districts of Odisha. The administration has instructed fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 22. Also, heavy rainfall has been predicted in the coastal areas of the state from October 22. Meanwhile, wind speed is likely to be 45 to 65 km per hour in coastal areas.

Along with this, the Odisha government held a high-level meeting with the senior officials of the state and the collectors of the cyclone-affected districts. The state government has canceled the leave of its employees except to keep the Odisha Disaster Rapid Response Force (ODRAF) and Fire Brigade on standby. Along with this, an alert has been issued in seven coastal districts of the state. The Odisha government has issued an alert for Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Khurda and Ganjam districts in view of the cyclone.

As per the details received, the Collectors of the cyclone-prone districts have also been instructed to evacuate the villagers living on the sea coast to safe places before October 22. Shelters are being prepared in coastal villages to avoid the cyclone. Senior district officials have warned fishermen not to venture into the sea for fishing. Along with this, people are being alerted through public announcement system.