Cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ gathers strength in Bay of Bengal, will hit Odisha-WB coast on Wednesday evening
By Sudhir Ranjan Dash in Paradip/ Sudam Patra in Balasore
Subrat Sarangi in Delhi
Paradip/Balasore/ New Delhi, MAY 22: As predicted earlier, the cyclonic circulation formed over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday developed into low-pressure over east-central Bay of Bengal. The low pressure is most likely intensify into a depression on Sunday morning and then move towards north and northwestwards.
On Monday, it is very likely to develop into a cyclonic storm. Subsequently, the cyclonic storm will move northwestwards and reach Odisha-West Bengal Coast around May 26 evening (Wednesday) as a very severe cyclonic storm (SCS), India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted on Saturday
The very severe cyclonic storm which has been named ‘Yaas’ will hit the coast with a wind speed of 120-160 kilometre per hour (kmph) gusting up to 185 kmph and heavy downpours, the IMD said.
According IMD director general Dr Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, the exact location of the landfall of ‘Yaas’ was not yet known and the weather agency was examining the course of the cyclone.
“The severe cyclonic storm will pass through Odisha-West Bengal coast on Wednesday morning and we are studying the course of the cyclone to ascertain the exact location where it is most likely to make its landfall,” said Dr Mohapatra.
Under the impact of the low-pressure, some parts of coastal Odisha on Saturday experienced light to moderate rainfall. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in most of the places in the state after May Tuesday, the IMD predicted, adding, rainfall intensity is likely to go up further in next few days with intensification of the system.
The fishermen have been advised to remain away from venturing into the deep Central Bay of Bengal between May 23 and 27 as the sea condition would remain very rough during the period.
Five teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from the third battalion at Mundali in Cuttack which were deputed to Gujarat have been brought back and kept in readiness for deployment. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services personnel have also been kept ready for action in the areas likely to be hit by the cyclone.
The state government was also in touch with the Indian Coast Guard personnel patrolling in the deep sea to ensure that no fishing boat remained in the sea till Saturday evening.
