Odisha Steps Up Cyclone Preparedness, Coastal Districts Put On Alert

BHUBANESWAR: With a weather system over the Bay of Bengal showing signs of intensification into a possible cyclonic storm, the Odisha government on Friday stepped up its preparedness, alerting coastal districts and convening a high-level meeting to review the state's readiness.

Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari held a meeting with senior disaster management officials and Collectors of potentially affected districts in the evening and assessed the evolving situation and reviewed precautionary measures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the system, which developed into a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area on November 14, a depression on November 15 and subsequently a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal by November 16.

However, its likely trajectory, intensity, wind speed and possible landfall location were yet to be determined. The government is closely monitoring its development and movement, with coastal districts placed on alert.

Pujari said the IMD would provide a clearer assessment of the system's likely impact on Odisha as it evolves, following which the government would take appropriate measures, depending on the areas likely to be affected.

The minister, however, emphasised that the state government was not waiting for the final forecast to initiate preparedness measures.

“We do not rely solely on IMD estimates for preparedness. Whenever a low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal, we begin preparations. Drawing on our past experiences, we remain ready to deal with all eventualities, as coastal areas, including southern Odisha, could be affected,” he said.

Pujari said Collectors of all coastal districts, besides those in southern and northern Odisha, had already been alerted and instructed to remain prepared for any eventuality.

“Once the IMD issues its final forecast, we will focus our attention on the districts and areas likely to be affected,” he said.

The evening meeting is expected to review the latest meteorological assessment, the possibility of the system intensifying into a depression and the preparedness measures required at the district level. The minister said he would also interact with Collectors of the concerned districts to take stock of their readiness.

The government is keeping a close watch on the developing system as the next few days are expected to be crucial in determining its intensity and possible impact on Odisha's coastline.