The cyclone 'Fani' is likely to intensify into a 'very severe' cyclonic storm in next two to three days with weather department predicting light to moderate rainfall, coupled with severe thunderstorm accompanied with gustry wind speed of 40-50kmph. The State Government and disaster management authorities have issued slew of advisories for people as a preventive measures so to minimize the loss of life and property.
As per the India Meteorological Department, the Cyclone Fani, India’s strongest summertime cyclone in the last 43 years is likely to hit the Odisha coast by Friday afternoon and will affect West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and also having impact in Jharkhand.
The Regional Centre of Meteorological department has issued weather warning for four days starting from May 2. Light to moderate rain is likely at many places in State, along with severe thunderstorm accompanied with gusty wind speed 40-50kmph at West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharasawan, Khunti, Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Dumka and Pakur districts.
Similarly, there will be heavy rainfall in the eastern part of West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Dumka and Pakur district. Meanwhile, Ranchi and East Singhbhum district administration have issued directions for closure of all government and private schools for next two days.
Ranchi DC, Rai Mahimapat Ray said, “All state-owned and private schools will remain shut for two days (May 3 and 4) in view of the alert issued by Met department.”
“As per the instructions of the deputy commissioner East Singhbhum Amit Kumar we have ordered all state-owned and private schools to be shut for two days (May 3 and 4) in view of the alert issued by Met department,” said East Singhbhum district superintendent of education, Brijmohan Kumar.
The State disaster management to tackle the situation has issued necessary guidelines to avert the maximum damages of life and property caused due to cyclone. As per direction issued by disaster management issued, the cyclone is going to have its impact from May 3 (Friday), 5.30 PM to May 4 (Saturday) 5.30 PM with a wind blowing at the speed of 40 to 60 Kmph. The disaster management department through a Whatsapp group will keep track on the situation at several districts being affected by Cyclone.
The disaster management department through its control room at districts will inform people about the cyclone movements through media and other government agencies.
SD Kotal, Scientist and director, Metrological department Ranchi said, “As an emergency situation the disaster management has cancelled all the leaves of staff to tackle the situation. Essential services such police, hospital, power, drinking water, disaster management and others wing have been alerted.” Kotal also said, “The electricity departments have been asked to keep vigil on loose electricity wires. Also emergency services such as ambulance, blood banks, private hospitals, fire brigade have been directed to remain alert round the clock.”
The disaster management department has also issued directives asking people to keep away from weak buildings, and not to move around in open spaces especially near trees and rivers.