Cyclone Alert / Cyclone likely over Bay of Bengal by Nov 16; Odisha puts district collectors on alert

Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The Odisha government has alerted district collectors in coastal and southern parts of the State following forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that a cyclonic storm could develop over the Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16, officials said on Friday.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the IMD had not yet shared any assessment regarding the possible impact of the weather system on Odisha. However, the State government has initiated precautionary measures and directed district collectors in northern, southern and coastal regions to remain vigilant.

"Though the IMD has not made any prediction, we have already taken precautionary measures and informed district collectors to remain prepared and alert regarding the system developing over the sea," Pujari said.

Sources said the Minister is expected to hold a review meeting with senior officials to assess the evolving situation and preparedness measures.

System intensifying

According to a special communication issued by the IMD, a low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea region. The system was centred over the central Andaman Sea and neighbouring Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday morning.

The weather agency said the system is likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area by November 14, before developing into a depression around the morning of November 15.

"Thereafter, it is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal around November 16 evening," the IMD said.

Rainfall alerts

The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts on November 18 and 19.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh during this period.
Also Read: Ganjam floods caused by heavy rainfall, not dam mismanagement: Odisha Govt

For November 19 and 20, heavy rainfall has been forecast for Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri districts, prompting another yellow alert.

The IMD has also warned of squally weather along and off the south Odisha coast on November 17, with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph. The sea is expected to remain rough to very rough, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the south Odisha coast on that day.