Bhubaneswar: Odisha is likely to bear the maximum brunt of the possible Cyclone ‘Dana’, which is likely to form over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal by October 23, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the IMD in its special bulletin had informed about formation of a low-pressure area over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea during the next 24 hours. The system is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression by October 22 morning and into a cyclonic storm by October, 23 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal. “Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning,” it added.
Mohapatra said that the system is likely to take the shape of a severe cyclonic storm. “The impact of the cyclone will be felt in the coastal areas of Odisha. Squally weather with wind speed of 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph may prevail along the coasts of Odisha from October 23 evening and increase to 100-120 kmph from October 24 night till October 25 morning,” he said.
Also Read: Season’s 1st Tropical Cyclone ‘Dana’ To Take Shape By Oct 23, Cross Odisha-Bengal Coasts
Coastal and interior regions of Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 23 onwards. “Some places in coastal areas may experience 20 cm rainfall on October 24-25. The intensity of the spells may also increase to 20 to 30 cm and above 30 at some places,” he told a local channel.
He warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas due to the heavy downpour.
The IMD DG further stated that no prediction has been made on landfall intensity, location and time. “Cyclone warning has been issued for Odisha and West Bengal. A forecast on its track, intensity, the likely wind speed at the time of landfall and its location will be made once the system turns into a depression,” he clarified.
Evacuation advisory will be issued thereafter, he said.
He also cautioned tourists visiting Andaman and Nicobar islands as the region is likely to experience adverse weather conditions till October 27.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till October 25. Those in the sea have been asked to return to the shore by October 21. “Warning will also be issued to the shipping and marine community,” Mohapatra added.
This cyclone is likely to be named Dana, a name given by Qatar.
