The low pressure area which had formed over the Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a deep depression and the system is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours. In the event it intensifies, it will be called ‘Cyclone Gulab’, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Saturday.
Cyclone Gulab Live Updates: Landfall Near Singupuram In AP; Rains Tonight At Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Landslides Likely In Koraput
As per predictions, the cyclonic storm is likely to cross the two states –South of Odisha and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh with wind speed of 70 to 80 kmph and gusting up to 90-95 kmph on Sunday evening (September 26). It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around Kalingapatnam by September 26 evening.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), PK Jena said that already the Odisha government has put Collectors of seven districts- Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal and Malkangiri- on high alert in view of the possible cyclone as these districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall activities.
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“Seven districts are likely to be impacted more during the cyclone. Already review meetings are being organised at district levels to ensure full preparedness owing to the IMD’s forecast of squally winds, flash floods and landslides in these areas,” said Jena.
According to Jena, the wind-speed is likely to be around 70-80 kmph gusting upto 90 kmph. All preparations are being made taking into account past incidents of landslides which occurred in several parts of Gajapati and Rayagada districts during Cyclone Titli in 2008.
Anticipating heavy rainfall, the Odisha government is also making the necessary preparations to tackle flash floods, landslides and water-logging. The Special Relief Commissioner further informed that around 42 ODRAF and 24 NDRF teams will be deployed in seven districts of Odisha. Apart from this, 102 fire services team will also be deployed in the vulnerable areas.
“Apart from the possible 7 districts which are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclonic storm, we have decided to keep 4 NDRF teams in Nayagarh as a precautionary measure apart from other reserve teams in case of heavy rainfall situation in coastal districts of the State,” said Jena.
Senior Odisha government officials said that extra focus is also being given to monitor the water level of several reservoirs and other irrigational facilities so as to prevent any untoward incident.