The conditions are now favourable for further intensification of the low pressure area over South Andaman Sea and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday.
"The Low pressure area became more marked & now lies as a well marked low pressure over Southeast Bay of Bengal & adjoining south Andaman Sea. It is very likely to move northwestwards, intensify into a Depression over southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours," tweeted IMD's Regional Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Live Updates: Cyclonic storm likely to recurve, move towards Northwest BoB off Odisha coast
As per IMD’s Regional Centre in Bhubaneswar, the low pressure is likely to intensify into a depression today. There will be a gradual rise in the wind speed from today onwards and it is likely that the system will further intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 8 (tomorrow). the Regional MeT said.
“It is very likely to continue to move northwestwards and reach west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on May 10,” said IMD.
As per IMD's previous forecast, the detailed track, intensity and landfall course can be better ascertained only after the system develops into a depression. In view of the developments, the Odisha government has put its response mechanism on high alert and all possible measures are being taken to tackle the situation arising out of the impending cyclone threat.
Ganjam Collector, Vijay Amruta Kulange said that instructions have been issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to make necessary arrangements to combat the emergency situation.
“We have already directed officials to take stern action against hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities. For evacuation of people to safer places, if needed, the process to identify concrete structures has already begun,” said Kulange.
Kulange further said that the administration is well prepared and is taking necessary measures, keeping in view flooding and other issues that had cropped up during Cyclone Titli.