The State Government on Monday directed district Collectors to be in preparedness to combat a possible cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ which is likely to hit the Odisha coast within 72 hours.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said squally winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph to 65 kmph are very likely along and off the north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts from October 9.
“In view of the possible cyclone forecast, all concerned officials have been instructed to keep the administrative machinery in full preparedness to meet any eventuality,” a letter issued by Special Relief Commissioner’s office stated.
The ODRAF and Fire Services personnel have been instructed to be in preparedness to deal with a possible emergency.
The IMD also warned of heavy rainfall at some places in coastal districts such as Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Jagatsinghpur from September 9. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur at some places in coastal districts and interior parts of the State on September 10.
The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 8 as the conditions would be extremely rough between October 9 and 11. The fishermen who have gone for deep sea fishing have been asked to return to the coast by the evening.
Speaking to reporters, IMD Additional Director General (ADG) Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the depression now moving towards the coast of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is most likely intensify into a deep depression on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, a bulletin of the Regional Office of IMD said: “The well marked low pressure area over southeast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 8th October 2018 over east central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 14.0°N and longitude 88.8°E, about 720 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 690 km southeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).”
“It is very likely to intensify further into a deep depression during next 24 hours and into a cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours.
It is very likely to move northwestwards towards Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 72 hours,” the bulletin added.