Things To Prepare At Home For A Cyclone

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Asani over the Bay of Bengal is expected to trigger widespread rain in Odisha from the evening of May 10 while brushing across the coastline. While the IMD forecast that the system is unlikely to make landfall in Odisha or Andhra Pradesh has come as a relief, it will be prudent on our part to prepare for any eventuality on the lines of steps being taken by the Odisha government, which is leaving nothing to chance.

“The cyclonic storm is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal during the next 12 hours. It is very likely to continue to move northwestwards till 10th May evening and reach Westcentral and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh & Odisha coasts. Thereafter, it is very likely to recurve north-northeastwards and move towards Northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast,” the Meteorological Centre said in its bulletin.

Also Read: Cyclone Asani To Turn Severe In 12 Hours, Trace Path Similar To Jawad

While there will be light to moderate rain and thunderstorm till Monday, yellow warning for heavy rain and gale has been issued for several districts of the state during the next three days.

HERE IS YOUR CHECKLIST

1. Store water, especially drinking water, in every container you find – buckets, mugs, tubs, tanks.

2. Loose objects like metal sheets, windows, power lines, pipelines, potted plants, etc should be secured with sandbags or wire ties. These can fly and cause injuries.

3. Clear drainage for rainwater. The coastal areas of Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall.

4. Do not keep overhead tanks empty. Filled ones are heavy and do not fly away.

5. Outdoor units of air conditioners should be screwed in using brackets or fasteners on the roof. If this is not available, place sandbags on top of it.

6. Keep dry food, and ready-to-eat food like nuts, and biscuits as a backup.

7. Charge all your phones, power banks, and laptops, Turn off phones, if you don’t need them and switch to power saver modes to conserve charge. Buy a portable solar charger if required.

8. If you have an inverter-battery backup, check the water level and top up with distilled water if required. Remember, fans consume more electricity than lights. For generators, stock up on fuel.

9. Park your vehicles inside a safe place that has shutters as squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is also likely along and off Odisha coast on May 11 and 12.

10. Keep torches with extra batteries, candles and matches.

11. Keep all necessary medications.

12. Get mosquito repellent creams, coils, nets, and sprays.

Also Read: Severe Cyclonic Storm Asani To Trigger Widespread Rain Along Odisha Coast, Bring Down Temp By 3-4ºC

Also Read: ‘Asani’ Developing Over Bay Of Bengal! Who Named The Cyclone & What Does It Mean?