Odisha goes on high alert; NDRF, state forces kept on standby over possible cyclone formation in Bay of Bengal
India Today
The Odisha govt has kept 17 NDRF, 20 ODRAF,and 175 fire fighting teams on standby over the possible formation of a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea and areas adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal.
Amidst a possible cyclone brewing in the Bay of Bengal, Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena on Thursday said that the government was ready to face any eventuality with 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 20 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 175 fire fighting teams already on standby.
“These can be mobilised at any moment as per the need of the hours. The ODRAF teams can be further divided into 60 sub-units in case of any eventuality and requirement,” Jena said.
Jena had held meetings with multiple agencies to review preparedness.
Speaking to India Today, Jena said that 18 districts are likely to be affected, in case the cyclone occurs. “Therefore, I held a meeting with the Collectors of these districts and asked them to scale up preparedness. They will come up with details and plans by Friday evening, following which further instructions will be issued.”
Talking about probable cyclone formation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG Mryutunjay Mohapatra said, "Currently, in Eastern India, there is active thunderstorm activity and hence the temperature will be near normal. There are no heatwave conditions. Similar is the case with respect to the northeastern states and the southern peninsula region."
Mohapatra further said, "Apart from that, the cyclone circulation lies over the Andaman sea. On its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form on May 6, over the South Andaman Sea and areas adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move northwest across the Andaman Islands and the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal will be intensified by May 8."
The wind speed because of the depression is likely to be around 40-50 kmph from May 5 onwards, which will further increase to 55-65 kmph gusting up to 75 kmph on May 8.
