While the depression over the Bay of Bengal that would turn into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours has triggered panic among the people of the State, the cyclone is unlikely to hit the Odisha coast, according to the IMD.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Tuesday that the depression over the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in next 24 hours and might move towards the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. A clear picture would emerge after the next 24 hours, he said.
But the cyclone would trigger rainfall in coastal and northern districts of Odisha from November 9. Mohapatra also informed that a wind speed gushing around 50 to 60 km per hour (kmph) may also be witnessed on November 10. So, fishermen are advised not to venture into sea after November 8.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena directed the district Collectors of 15 districts, Baleswar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Puri, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada and Malkanagiri, to remain alert to meet any flood situation or waterlogging that may arise in the event of extreme or very heavy rains.
The SRC also urged the people not to panic and stock up essential commodities in a hurry.