Odisha SRC Alerts Dist Collectors Over Depression In Bay Of Bengal

Bhubaneswar: Keeping in view the IMD forecast regarding a depression over the Bay of Bengal, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha directed all Collectors to remain alert for any eventuality.

The SRC directed the collectors to watch and monitor the system and ensure that the IMD advice for fishermen is strictly followed. It has also told them to keep the district administration alert and in readiness to meet any eventuality.

In a letter to the collectors, the SRC said the IMD on Friday predicted a well-marked low pressure area over west-central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal which moved northeastwards and concentrated into a depression in the morning. It lay centered over central Bay of Bengal and moved northeastwards with a speed of 20 kmph.

The system is very likely to continue to move northeastwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal by May 25 morning. Subsequently, it will move nearly northwards, intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the night and is very likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts.

Under the influence of the depression, heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) is likely at isolated places in the district of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapada on May 25 and 26. Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 12 cm) is likely at isolated places in Balasore and Bhadrak and heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) at isolated places in Kendrapada and Mayurbhanj on May 27 and 28.

Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely in central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal on May 24. It will reach a speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from May 25. It will further increase to 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph from May 26 morning and 110-120 kmph gusting to 120 kmph from evening.

The sea condition is also likely to be rough to very rough in central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal during the period.

The IMD has advised the fishermen not to venture into south Bay of Bengal and those in deep sea return to the coast. It has also advised to hoist distant cautionary signal at all ports of Odisha.