Bhubaneswar: With IMD forecasting that the depression over Bay of Bengal will further intensify into a deep depression and then a cyclonic storm by Monday, Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has advised the fishermen not to venture into sea till October 25.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, the SRC said as per the special bulletin issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD), depression over west-central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 6
kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered over the same region, about 590 km south of Paradip.
It is likely to further intensify into a deep depression during next 12 hours and move northwestwards during next 12 hours. Then it will recurve and move north-northeastwards during subsequent 3 days towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts.
Under its influence, light to moderate rain is likely to occur in coastal Odisha and West Bengal between October 23 and 25, while sea condition will be rough, the IMD said in the bulletin.
Considering the forecast, the SRC said, “Fishermen are advised not to venture into West Central Bay of Bengal till October 25 and along & off Odisha Coast and North Bay of Bengal from October 23 to 26. The fishermen who are in deep sea are advised to return to the coast.”
The SRC also directed the districts under warning to keep administrative machinery ready to face any eventuality. It directed the district collectors to take following steps:
- In case of very heavy rain, people of low-lying areas may be shifted to safer locations temporarily.
- Urban local bodies (ULBs) must keep the drains/stormwater channels de-congested, and adequate de-watering pumps may be deployed as per requirement.
- People may be advised to keep watch on the weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall recorded may be reported immediately to this office.
- Submit report on damage, if occurred due to thunderstorm, whirlwind, hailstorm, lightning and heavy rainfall immediately for information of the government.
