With all eyes now on the deep depression, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has said that the system has the potential to intensify into a cyclone. Commenting on the cyclone threat, Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena on Friday said that India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not said about any cyclone. Rather the system will cross the coast as a deep depression.
According to Jena, “We are examining various models. Though JTWC has not clearly indicated about formation of a cyclone, it has said it has the potential of becoming a cyclone.”
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The SRC further said that if we analysis the track of JTWC and IMD, it is almost the same. “Even if the system takes shape of a cyclone, we are taking necessary steps,” said Jena.
IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, on the other hand, said the depression over Northwest and adjoining Northeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a Deep Depression today.
“We have not said about its intensification into cyclonic storm. It will move along the coast as deep depression. It's unlikely that the system will further intensify,” said Mohapatra.
As per IMD, the system lay centered about 200 km east-southeast of Balasore and 130 km east-southeast of Digha at 1130 IST of today. It will cross the coast between Balasore and Sagar Islands by today evening.
“Under its influence, squally surface wind reaching upto 55-65kmph expected in coastal areas, 30-40kph in interior districts. North Odisha to receive maximum rainfall today, rain intensity will increase in west Odisha tomorrow,” said Mohapatra.