Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic storm Phethai, which is likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machlipatnam and Kakinada today, triggered rainfall in several parts of the State.
The cyclonic storm is situated 270 km South-West of Kakinada and is expected make landfall today afternoon, informed an official of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.
“The wind speed is estimated to be around 70-90 km per hour during landfall in Andhra Pradesh while it will be around 30-40 km per hour in some parts of Odisha. Though it will not cause much damage in Odisha, it is likely to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the State," he said, adding that several places in the State have already witnessed rainfall.
Meanwhile, farmers in Odisha have been advised to take necessary measures to protect their crops in view of the rain forecast.
As per the latest information, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in four districts- Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati and Rayagada. Orange warning was earlier issued in the four districts.
Besides, isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts will experience heavy rainfall while many places in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts are expected to receive rainfall today.
On the other hand, office of the Gajapati collector informed that 11,600 people of seven vulnerable blocks in the district have been shifted to safer places.