No forecast for cyclone in next 15 days: IMD Bhubaneswar Director

Amid ongoing speculations regarding cyclone threat in October, India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Regional Centre in Bhubaneswar said no forecast has been received for cyclone in the next 15 days.

HR Biswas, Director of IMD’s Regional Centre here briefed senior officials of the Odisha government during the State Level Cyclone preparedness meeting. Odisha Chief Secretary, Suresh Mahapatra presided over the cyclone preparedness meeting held at Lokseba Bhawan this evening.

According to Biswas, even though conditions are favourable for the formation of cyclone, no information has been received for cyclone in the next 15 days.

Also Read: Odisha CM launches 'Football for All'; Over 43K footballs to be distributed in 2000 schools

As per an official release, Odisha usually witnesses the wrath of cyclones during the period of withdrawal of monsoon in October and November. Sometimes the period gets extended till December 15.

Odisha Chief Secretary urged all departments to be prepared to deal with any situation arising during the cyclone-season and make all arrangements including equipment and human resources as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Similarly, directions have been given to make sure that all the tubewells are in functioning condition in all rural and urban areas. Mohapatra also directed to keep provision of adequate stock of medicines, bleaching powder, halogen tablets, ambulance and doctors’ team in full preparedness.

As per sources, Principal Secys of several departments, Addl DGP HQs, Fire Service officers, senior officials of ODRAF and NDRF attended the meeting.