Finance
The Disaster Management Teams in Odisha are on high alert owing to a brewing cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring heavy rains to the state beginning October 27.
While the storm is unlikely to make direct landfall in Odisha, it is forecast to bring heavy rains and strong winds.
Suresh Pujari, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, said that the state is prepared for the cyclonic storm, which is scheduled to hit on October 22nd or 29th. He stated that the health, water, resource, and energy departments are prepared to handle the crisis.
“Odisha is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as heavy rainfall, flooding, river swelling, and cyclones. We are preparing for an impending cyclonic storm predicted to hit its coast on the 22nd or 29th. Departments, including Health, Water Resources, Energy, and Agriculture, are fully prepared. Local Administrations across Odisha, especially in vulnerable areas, have made arrangements for relief centres, evacuation, and the provision of essential supplies. We urge people not to panic as we are fully prepared,” he said.
On October 24, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) discovered a low-pressure region over southeast Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to deepen into a depression on October 25, a deep depression on October 26, and a cyclonic storm over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal on October 27.
Meteorologists believe the storm will head toward the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
Heavy rainfall is forecast in Odisha’s coastal and southern areas between October 27 and October 29. The IMD has issued a yellow signal for the whole state, with certain areas expecting unusually heavy rains.
Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph is forecast over the south Odisha coast beginning October 27.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed that a low-pressure depression system has formed south of the Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a depression.
“There is a low-pressure system formed south of the Bay of Bengal… It is likely to form into a depression over the southeast and the adjoining Bay of Bengal on October 25. It will also further intensify into a deep depression by October 26. And into a cyclonic storm by October 27. Odisha is likely to experience heavy rainfall activity on 27, 28 and 29 October. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from 26th onwards…” she warned.
The Odisha government has issued an alert for Paradip, Odisha, due to the impending cyclonic storm Montha.
The fisheries department and police have advised fishermen to exercise caution and avoid going into the sea.
Miking was used to issue warnings in regions such as Neheru Bangala Fishing Harbour, Atharabanki, and Shandakuda. People in the Nua Bazaar and Chaumuhani regions have also been alerted by miking.
Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea until October 29. Those already at sea are asked to return to shore right now.
On the other hand, the district administration has taken the appropriate safeguards and is trying to protect the safety of those in the impacted areas.
The state government has also shown preparedness to tackle the cyclone and has held a high-level meeting to discuss disaster management.
