IMD Predicts Cyclonic Storm Along Odisha-Andhra Coast

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted a cyclonic storm along the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

In an afternoon release, the IMD said that the low-pressure over the south-east Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a depression thus morning, is most likely to intensify further into a deep depression in the next 24 hours and subsequently a cyclonic storm in the next 48 hours.

However, the intensity of the cyclonic storm is yet to be ascertained.

According to the release, under the influence of the depression, which now lies at a distance of 720 km off the Gopalpur coast, there would be heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

“The rainfall will start at some places in South and coastal Odisha from tomorrow while heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur at almost all parts of the state for two days from October 10. Besides, wind speed which will increase in the coastal belt from October 9 and reach about 70-90 kmph,” the release added.

Considering the inclement weather, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 8 as the conditions would be extremely rough between October 9 and 11. The fishermen who have gone for deep sea fishing have been asked to return to the coast at the earliest.

Talking to mediapersons, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said that the state government is in constant touch with the IMD, which has informed them about the possibility of a cyclonic storm though its intensity is yet to be assessed.

“Once we get to know about the intensity and movement of the cyclonic storm, the district collectors will be alerted,” he added.