Probable cyclone: 17 NDRF, 20 ODRAF teams in readiness, says Odisha SRC

As the coastal Odisha braces for another possible cyclone in May, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Pradeep Jena has said that the State government is ready to face any eventuality with 17 NDRF teams, 20 ODRAF teams and 175 fire fighting teams who are on standby.

However, it is still unclear whether the cyclone would hit the Odisha coast or not.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Jena said, “The government is ready to face the cyclone if at all it heads towards Odisha. The rains and thunderstorms we are witnessing since yesterday are norwesters and not related to depression on cyclone.”

Appealing the people against panic buying, Jena said, “Please do not resort to undue stocking of groceries or vegetables. The department will take stern action if any trader is found artificially raising prices by hoarding.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that as of now there is no impact of the low pressure which is likely to form over south Andaman sea on Friday. As the system is situated far away from Odisha, its impact will not be seen now.

Mohapatra said as per the forecast the low pressure system will form on May 6 as the clouds have started assembling. It will subsequently move in north-west direction and by May 8 it will be around the Bay of Bengal region as a depression.

The IMD DG said so far only fishermen warning has been issued as sea conditions in Andaman sea, Andaman Islands and Bay of Bengal will be rough with gusting winds reaching a speed of 75 kmph prevailing till May 8.