The severe cyclonic storm Asani has changed its projected path and may make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, informed Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena on Tuesday.
According to Jena, there has been a lot of development and changes as far are the forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies are concerned.
“As per today’s IMD forecast, cyclonic storm Asani might make landfall near Kakinada and recurve in northwest direction from Visakhapatnam and re-enter the sea again. The intensity of the system will gradually decrease by May 12 and further weaken into depression thereafter,” said Jena.
According to Jena, some models indicate that the cyclonic storm Asani may enter the landmass near Kakinada and might recurve thereafter. “If it happens, there will be no impact of gusty winds in Odisha. However, several parts of the State will experience heavy rainfall under its influence,” he said.
Sanjeev Dwivedi, IMD Scientist said, “Asani is moving towards the Andhra coast. A red alert has been issued for Andhra. It is expected to reach the west-central Bay of Bengal close to Kakinada or Vishakhapatnam by morning.”
The IMD scientist further said, “Its recurve is possible after morning. It will then come towards the Odisha coast. Under its influence heavy to very heavy rainfall over Odisha is expected.”
The Odisha SRC informed that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to occur in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Ganjam tomorrow under the influence of the cyclonic storm. Subsequently, the intensity of rainfall will increase in coastal districts of the State, Jena added.