Odisha minister warns hoarders, black marketers ahead of possible cyclone

While Odisha is bracing up for a possible cyclone around October 24, State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Sunday warned of stringent action against those who will be found involved in black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.

Speaking to media in Cuttack, Patra said, “Our government will never tolerate hoarding and black marketing. All the district administrations are aware of the situation and there will be no problem for the public.”

It is worthwhile to mention here that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the formation of a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23.

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Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning.

Under its influence, the wind speed along the Odisha coast may reach 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph from October 23 evening and will reach a speed of 100-120 kmph by October 24 night.