Latest updates state that cyclone Fani is located at around 570 km South-Southwest of Puri and 390 km south-southeast of Vishakhapatnam coast. The cyclone is moving towards Odisha at a speed of 10 km per hour. It is likely to move North-Northwestwards till May 1 noon and thereafter recurve North-Northeastwards.
As per IMD, the cyclonic storm is likely to cross Odisha coast near Puri between the coast of Gopalpur and Chandbali. During the time of landfall, the speed of the cyclone is likely to remain 175 to 185 kmph gusting up to 200 kmph.
Here are the live updates:
There are special bus service for West Bengal tourists in Puri. Five OSRTC buses will leave from Puri to Kharagpur from May 2 morning; tourists can get information from collector's office, informed officer in charge of relief & restoration work in Puri district, Suresh Mohapatra.
For the upcoming #CycloneFani the City Administration chalked out a massive preparedness and action plan so that the evacuation, rescue and execution would be a smooth affair. pic.twitter.com/a9Sruta7gP
— BMC (@bmcbbsr) May 1, 2019
The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast for tomorrow (May 2) in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal districts.
The East Coast Railway has cancelled as many as 103 trains in view of Cyclone Fani.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik exhorted people of Odisha not to panic and stay safe during Cyclone Fani through a sand art at Puri beach.
Sand artist @sudarsansand exhorts people of #Odisha not to panic and stay safe during #CycloneFani through a sand art at #Puri beach pic.twitter.com/MCoy0F3w7O
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Cyclone Fani lies centred around 610 km south-southwest of Puri and is moving north-northeastwards at a speed of 6 kmph, said IMD's latest bulletin.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal took stock of all pre-cyclone preparedness to deal with the impending strike of Cyclone Fani. Odisha Chief Secretary AP Padhi apprised the Governor about steps taken to tackle any eventuality.
Arrangements have been made to provide shelter to around 10 lakh people at different shelter houses following evacuation. Apart from this, one lakh dry food packets have been kept ready in Bhubaneswar. If need arises, the food packets will be airdropped, said Odisha SRC.
“Tourists have been asked to leave Puri by May 2. Hotels in the pilgrim town have also been directed not to get bookings from May 2 to May 5,” the SRC added.
Cyclone Fani will make landfall at 5:30 PM on May 3; evacuation in Puri to be completed by tomorrow evening, informed Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupad Sethi.
#CycloneFani will make landfall at 5:30 PM on May 3; evacuation in #Puri to be completed by tomorrow evening: SRC Bishnupad Sethi #Odisha pic.twitter.com/yX9HPvbkk7
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
As per the IMD forecast, Cyclone Fani is expected to make a landfall in Puri at 5:30 PM on May 3, informed Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupad Sethi after a meeting between Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretary.
"We are fully prepared to tackle the situation following a landfall of Cyclone Fani," said NDRF DG Satya Narayan Pradhan.
#CycloneFani: We are fully prepared to tackle the situation following a landfall of the cyclone, says NDRF DG Satya Narayan Pradhan #Odisha pic.twitter.com/uO3StoB7VB
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
After meeting Union Cabinet secretary, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "All assistance will be provided to Odisha to tackle Cyclone Fani; arrangements will be made for the State's demand for two helicopters."
Central government has extended all help sought by #Odisha govt to tackle #CycloneFani, says Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a review meeting in Delhi pic.twitter.com/zu8lWjX4Qh
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Odisha government has appointed 11 senior IPS officers to supervise relief and rescue operations in coastal districts of the State.
#CycloneFani: Odisha appoints 11 senior IPS officers to supervise relief & rescue works in coastal districts #Odisha pic.twitter.com/4olk1iD713
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Process for evacuation of one lakh people from Khurda district will begin from tomorrow; three NDRF, one ODRAF team and 200 members of Civil Defence Force will be deployed in the district, informed Khurda Collector.
All examinations in 164 colleges under Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) on May 2, 3 and 4 have been re-scheduled in view of cyclone Fani. The new dates of examinations are May 25, 27 and 28, respectively.
The East Coast Railway has informed that train services between Bhadrak and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh are likely to be called off in view of cyclone Fani. It has advised railway passengers to plan their their journey accordingly.
In view of possible damage during cyclone Fani, the Nandankanan Zoological Park authorities have announced to shut down the park from May 2 to May 4.
Odisha Higher Education department has directed all state universities and colleges coming under its administrative control and located in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore & Mayurbhanj districts to remain closed from 2nd May to 4th May. It has also asked all teaching, non-teaching and administrative staff of the Universities & colleges to attend office as usual to conduct their normal activities other than teaching and examination.
In view of cyclone Fani, State Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar said adequate precautionary measures are being taken to ensure safety of VVPATs and EVMs stashed in strong rooms after the conclusion of 4-phased general elections.
In view of #CycloneFani, #Odisha Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar says adequate precautionary measures are being taken to ensure safety of polled EVMs stashed in strong rooms after the conclusion of 4-phased #OdishaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/vM8IGjvsjP
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Based on the reports of safety standards and possibility of any damage to strong room during the cyclone from all the district administrations, the Election Commission has been recommended for shifting of strong rooms at some places and also strengthening steps like retrofitting and waterproofing in the centres. Any modifications to be done at particular strong rooms will be carried out after notification to candidates of all parties in that segment, said the CEO.
Deputy Commandant of NDRF 3rd Battalion. Mundali, Bira Kumar Das has informed that so far 10 units of NDRF have already been deployed while other 18 teams are being dispatched to designated areas for rescue and relief operations during the cyclone. Out of the total, 18 teams of 3rd Battalion and 10 other units from outside of the State have been mobilised.
10 units of NDRF have already been deployed while 18 other teams are being dispatched to designated areas for rescue and relief operations during #CycloneFani: Deputy Commandant of NDRF 3RD BN. MUNDALI, Bira Kumar Das pic.twitter.com/lgQUg2Jjet
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Odisha government has appointed five senior IAS officers for supervision of relief, restoration and rehabilitation works arising out of cyclone 'Fani' in five districts of the State. While Forest and Environment Secretary Suresh Moahaptra has been assigned to take charge of Puri district, S&ME secretary has been given charge of Jagatsinghpur. Similarly, Water Resources secretary PK Jena has been assigned Kendrapara, Central Range RDC Anil Samal will be in charge of Jajpur and TET Director Balwant Singh has been given charge of Balasore district.
Basing on JTWC’s report, SRC Bishnupada Sethi informed that cyclone ‘Fani’ is likely to cross Odisha through Satpada and Balukhand area in Puri district during the afternoon of May 3. After making landfall, the cyclone is likely to pass through Khurda, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Jajpur and enter West Bengal.
District administrations have been directed to complete evacuation to all the 879 cyclone shelters and strong pucca buildings that can withstand storm and inundation in vulnerable by tomorrow.
#CycloneFani likely to cross #Odisha through Satpada and Balukhand area in #Puri on May 3. All 28 teams of NDRF, 20 ODRAF units & other Fire Services units are being dispatched to areas on priority basis: SRC Bishnupada Sethi pic.twitter.com/nyrIYT4hqe
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
All 28 teams of NDRF, 20 ODRAF units and other Fire Services units have been roped in and they will be dispatched to areas on priority basis by today according to likelihood of cyclone impact.
"We have also prepared for air dropping of relief in case it is required during the cyclone, apart from stationing two choppers at Bhubaneswar for immediate rescue and other operations," said the SRC.
Regional Meteorological Centre Director HR Biswas has informed that more than 20 cm of rain is likely to lash the State during the cyclonic movement. Capital Bhubaneswar is likely to see stormy wind with speed of more than 100 kmph, he said.
Regional Meteorological Centre Director HR Biswas informs that #Odisha is likely to receive more than 20 cm of rainfall during #CycloneFani, adding that #Bhubaneswar is likely to witness stormy wind with speed of more than 100 kmph pic.twitter.com/0d58HIh2z1
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
The State Special Relief Commissioner has issued a directive asking all tourists to leave Puri by May 2.
After directive of the Election Commission of India, Odisha government has lifted model code of conduct from 11 districts - Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack and Jajpur to facilitate speedy rescue, relief and restoration activities to face cyclonic storm.
Three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched to Jagatsinghpur while two other teams have been sent to Bhadrak.
ODRAF units begin preparation in #Cuttack in view of #CycloneFani #Odisha pic.twitter.com/fOgH08S4gm
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2019
Odisha government has ordered closure of all educational institutions across the State from May 2. All examinations scheduled to be held have been postponed till further notice.
May 2: IMD has issued Orange Warning and forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda South Coastal Odisha and Rayagada and Kandhamal districts of South-Interior Odisha.
May 3: Red Warning has been issued with forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall over districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall has also been predicted for districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore and Mayurbhanj. Similarly, Yellow warning has been issued for Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Sundergarh districts.
May 4: Red warning has been issued for districts of Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj with forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Till now, danger signal number 2 has been hoisted at all ports of the State.
Storm surge of about 1.5 m height above astronomical tide is very likely to inundate low lying areas of Ganjam, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha at the time of landfall.
The special train will have both reserved and unreserved seats- General, Sleeper, 3A and 2A coaches- with stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kharagpur.
The train is expected to reach Bhubaneswar at around 1:30 pm today.
On the other hand, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has released a video advising people not to panic and stay prepared with emergency kit comprising necessary items like matchbox, dry food, medicines, drinking water bottle, candles etc. in view of the cyclone.
#Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) advises people not to panic and stay prepared with emergency kit comprising necessary items like matchbox, dry food, medicines, drinking water bottle, candles etc. in view of #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/zCaGSRj3vp
— OTV (@otvnews) May 2, 2019
Meanwhile, IMD has issued 'Orange Warning' for seven districts (Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Koraput, Kandhamal and Rayagada) for May 2 and 3 while 'Yellow Warning' for four districts (Boudh, Kandhamal, Sambalpur and Deogarh) for May 3 and 4.
Besides, Red Warning has been issued for 17 districts (Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj) for May 3 and 4.
As per latest update, cyclone Fani currently lies centred around 510 km South-Southwest of Puri coast and is moving with a speed of 7 kmph. It is likely to cross Odisha coast near Puri in the afternoon tomorrow.
While answering questions on social media, IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that cyclone Amphan will move parallel along the coast and its core wind speed will be more over north coastal Odisha. The entire coastline of the State will experience rise in wind speed from tonight, said Mohapatra.
Below is the transcript of some of the questions Mohapatra answered during the interaction on social media.
Location of Landfall:
Landfall of super cyclone Amphan will happen on May 20 between Digha in West Bengal and Hatiya Islands in Bangladesh. Its most probable track is passing through Sunderban (eye of the storm).
Considering that the size of the tropical cyclone diameter is 700 kms in this case and the diameter of central dense overcast cloud mass (associated with strongest winds) is about 120 kms in radius, if it crosses near Sunderban, it can have impact over all West Bengal districts and adjoining Bangladesh districts.
Since it is passing though delta and riverine areas, cyclone Amphan will have certain intensity up to Kolkata, Hooghly with strong wind.
Will Super Cyclone Amphan Have Same Impact As Cyclone Fani Last Year?
No, Fani hit Odisha near Puri directly at a speed of 170-180 kmph gusting up to 205 kmph. Super cyclone Amphan will not be directly hitting Odisha, but will pass parallel to Odisha coast and hit West Bengal & Bangladesh coast.
Cyclone Amphan is likely to follow the track/ path of cyclone Bulbul of November 2019. Cyclone Bulbul came close to Odisha coast and had damaging impact over north coastal districts. This time, Cyclone Amphan is stronger and its wind speed is higher than the cyclone Bulbul.
Will Cyclone Amphan Will Have Same Impact As 1999 Super Cyclone Of Odisha?
No, Odisha super cyclone had a wind speed of 260 to 280 kmph and it was stationary for about 30 hours near Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Paradip for which it had caused catastrophic damage.
In case of Cyclone Amphan, we do not expect it to be stationary and it will move fast and its intensity is less compared to super cyclone of 1999. But Cyclone Amphan will be extremely severe.
Which Districts of West Bengal Will Be Worst Affected?
South and North 24 Paraganas will be worst affected, followed by west and east Medinapore districts, Hooghly, Howrah and Kolkata.
What Will Be The Impact Of Cyclone Amphan In Puri And Ganjam?
In Puri, the wind speed predicted is to be around 55 to 65 kmph gusting up to 75 kmph and we do not expect much damage other than uprooting of trees and branches.
What Will Be The Impact On Bangladesh?
There will be extensive impact of super cyclone Amphan on Bangladesh. Storm surge of about 4 to 6 meters in adjoining areas of Bangladesh and wind speed of 165 to 175 kmph gusting to 195 kmph is likely.
You May Also Like To Read: Extremely Severe Cyclone Amphan will move very close to Odisha coast: ECMWF
(Edited by Bikram Jena)
Odisha Chief Secretary, Asit Tripathy on Monday categorically stated that “Keeping past experiences in view where some cyclones went off track, Odisha is making all possible efforts to tackle any emergency situation arising out of the impending super cyclone Amphan.”
Tripathy further informed that Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has reviewed the preparedness with the collectors of 12 districts expected to be affected.
“As low-transmission lines get damaged even in wind speed between 60 to 100 kmph, we have urged Centre to assist in restoration work post cyclone. Our focus is now on evacuation and other arrangements on ground besides regular restoration work,” said Tripathy.
Even though super cyclone #Amphan is not expected to make landfall in #Odisha, our preparations are of the highest degree: #Odisha Chief Secretary during media briefing pic.twitter.com/ANROTWAvxo
— OTV (@otvnews) May 18, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting today to review the response measures for super cyclone ‘Amphan’ developing in the Bay of Bengal. He took stock of the situation and reviewed the preparedness as well as the evacuation plan presented by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba also chaired the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting and discussed the preparedness. He spoke to Chief Secretaries West Bengal and Odisha regarding their requirements and preparedness.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “The impact of the cyclone Amphan will be more in West Bengal while coastal Odisha will experience strong wind and heavy rainfall. As wind speed will reach 165-195 kmph with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, there could be large-scale damages,” said Mohapatra.
Mohapatra further informed that Cyclone Amphan could uproot trees, communications and power transmission poles, bend telephone lines and cause extensive damage to thatched/kutcha houses, crops and plantations.
The cyclone would have early impact on the north coastal districts of Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore districts, Mohapatra added.
Highest tidal wave recorded is around 13 metres; super cyclone #AMPHAN could trigger tidal waves of up to 4-6 metres (2 storey building-high) in North and South 24 Parganas & 3-4 metres in East Medinapur districts of West Bengal: IMD DG, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra pic.twitter.com/PdQN2XgUKF
— OTV (@otvnews) May 18, 2020
HR Biswas, director of Regional Meteorological Centre (Bhubaneswar) informed that the wind speed will increase to 110-120 kmph (135 kmph gusts) by May 20 afternoon in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore & Mayurbhanj districts.
The government today deputed four senior IAS officers and equal number of IPS officers to four coastal districts to provide guidance and support to the district administrations in Amphan management.
Transport Secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi, Chief Electoral Officer Sushil Kumar Lohani, Industries Secretary Hemant Sharma and Higher Education Secretary Saswat Mishra have been deputed to Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts, respectively.
NDRF DG Satyanarayan Pradhan, who briefed media persons today evening, said, “So far we have deployed 19 NDRF teams in West Bengal and 13 teams in Odisha. Besides, additional 17 teams are on standby in Odisha along with 6 other battalions which can be sent immediately to West Bengal and other districts in Odisha as per requirement.”
Among north #Odisha districts, Bhadrak, Balasore are expected to be most affected; we have deployed 19 teams in West Bengal & in #Odisha, there are 13 teams & 17 additional teams on standby: NDRF DG, SN Pradhan briefs media on super cyclone #AMPHAN pic.twitter.com/xQZ2bY0A7R
— OTV (@otvnews) May 18, 2020
Also Read Super Cyclone Amphan Will Not Make Landfall In Odisha: IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
(Edited By: Bikram Jena)