The deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal intensified into the cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ on Thursday. Under its influence, several districts in north coastal Odisha may experience rainfall and gusty winds for next couple of days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ over the east central Bay of Bengal is very likely to move north-northwestwards towards Bengal and Bangladesh coasts.
Even though the cyclonic storm would not affect Odisha much, light to moderate rainfall is on the cards for several north coastal Odisha districts.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall over Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts is likely and heavy falls at isolated places in the remaining districts on November 8, said the Regional Office of the IMD here.
Similarly, light to moderate rainfall at most places likely over north coastal districts of Odisha with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over Baleswar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts and heavy falls at isolated places over Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Jajpur districts on November 9.
The fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea during next two days from November 8 onwards over Odisha-West Bengal coasts as the seas would reamin rough.
Keeping in view the likely heavy rainfall and strong winds, SRC Pradeep Jena held a videoconference with the district Collectors of the districts likely to be affected and asked them to remain alert.
ODRAF and NDRF teams have also been kept in readiness to combat any eventuality. The SRC has asked the administration to evacuate the people from thatched houses and other vulnerable areas, who are likely to be affected by waterlogging and strong winds.
As a precautionary measure, all the schools and Anganwadi centres in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada districts would remain closed on Friday and Saturday.