Bhubaneswar: In the view of the cyclonic storm ‘Roanu’ in the Bay of Bengal approaching the Tamil Nadu coast, the Odisha government today reviewed the preparedness to tackle the possible calamity.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who chaired the meeting at Secretariat, asked all departments to remain alert in view of the cyclone, chief secretary AP Padhi told media persons after the meeting.
“The deep depression in Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm. Under its influence, heavy rains likely to occur in parts of Odisha today and tomorrow. However, the speed of wind will be less that 100km/h,” Padhi said.
“CM Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the preparedness. In the meeting, all the departments have been directed to remain alert over the probable cyclone 'Roanu'. The collectors, especially in the coastal districts, have been asked to open control rooms and keep ODRAF teams ready for rescue operations. The chief minister will also discuss preparedness measures with them via video conferencing in the evening,” he added.
The chief secretary pointed out that the government had decided not to allow any government employee to take leave on May 20 and 21. Decision will be taken on evacuation after observing the rain and wind patterns, he said.
The deep depression over west-central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘ROANU’ on Thursday.
It is moving nearly north-northeastwards before intensifying into cyclonic storm ‘ROANU’ and lay centred about 590 km southeast of Gopalpur, the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneshwar said.
The system is likely to move north-northeastwards along and off Andhra Pradesh coast in the next 24 hours and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm.
Gusty surface wind from southeasterly direction in south Odisha coast and southerly direction in north Odisha coast with 45 to 50 kmph speed and gusting up to to 55 kmph will prevail along and off the Odisha coast.
Since sea condition is likely to be rough in the Odisha coast till Friday, the Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea, the Met office said.