Bhubaneswar: Asani will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm today evening while it remains over the Bay of Bengal, at about 920 kms from Puri. Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena today said that the system will be closest to the coast in between Ganjam and Puri in form of a cyclonic storm on May 11.
“As it will recurve and move parallel to the Odisha coast from Puri (onwards), the system will weaken into a deep depression on May 12,” he said. However, May 11 will remain crucial in terms of moderate to heavy rainfall high speed winds ranging between 50 to 60 kmph, in coastal and adjoining districts. Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts will witness rainfall between May 10 and 12.
ODRAF teams have been stationed in – Ganjam, Puri, Satpada, Astaranga, Krushnaprasad, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Mahakalpara and Rajnagar. A full unit of NDRF is at Balasore. The DG of Fire Service has instructed teams in all districts to be alert and ready to act in case of any eventuality. Similarly, 10 to 15 Fire units have been stationed at the headquarters, said Jena.
“We have empowered the Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to take a decision on evacuation, as and when necessary. We do not apprehend a danger, however, chances cannot be taken. Especially, in case of the low lying and other vulnerable areas, people would be evacuated if situation arises. Municipal teams are ready to carry out dewatering in case there is water logging and artificial flooding,” the SRC said.
All fishermen of the State are back on the shore. By today afternoon, all the boats which were in high seas have returned. The Government will stop boat movement in Chilika from Monday, till the cyclone passes. “We are in regular touch with the Director General of IMD and the local Met Station in Bhubaneswar. People should not panic as the situation is under control,” he added.
