BMC Prepared For Possible Cyclone, 24-Hour Control Room In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has geared up to deal with possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal though no warning has so far been issued for Odisha. Its officials have been asked to remain alert and prepared to deal with any situation.

BMC Mayor Sulochana Das held a meeting with corporators and officials of the civic body. Officials of the fire, forest, electricity departments and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) also attended the meeting held on Thursday, sources said.

Speaking on the preparatory meeting, the Mayor said all aspects, including setting up of a control room and shifting people to safe shelters, were discussed in the meeting.

Though there is no cyclone warning, the officials were asked to remain prepared, she said.

As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around May 6. Under its influence a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around May 7.

It is likely to concentrate into a depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal on May 8. It may further intensify into a cyclonic storm while moving nearly northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal, IMD added.