Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Sunday cancelled the leaves of all employees in view of the possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal around October 23.
Speaking to the media after a high-level meeting to review the situation ahead of the cyclone on Sunday evening, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Singh said, “Leaves of all state government employees have been cancelled in view of the possible cyclone. All employees have been directed to remain stationed at their respective places and perform their duties till further directive.”
In reply to a question, Singh said, “We are yet to decide on the closure of educational institutions in view of the impending cyclonic storm. However, the District Collectors have the power to take a call considering the situation.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the formation of a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal around October 23. It is likely to move northwestwards and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning.
Under its influence, the wind speed along the Odisha coast may reach 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph from October 23 evening and will reach a speed of 100-120 kmph by October 24 night.
