Cyclone Jawad Live Updates: IMD Predicts Heavy Rains in 3 States Today; 54000 People Evacuated

Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal will get heavy rainfall today and in the coming days as a result of Cyclone Jawad. The cyclonic storm is expected to hit north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on Saturday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

The cyclonic storm over west central Bay of Bengal lay concentrated on Friday night, around 250 km southeast of Vishakhapatnam, 430 km south-southwest of Puri, and 510 km south-southwest of Paradip, according to IMD's latest tweet. 

"It is expected to move north-northwestwards, develop further, and approach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the coastlines of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha by tomorrow morning, December 4," IMD added. 

"Following that, it is expected to recurve north-northeastward and proceed down the Odisha coast, reaching near Puri around December 5 noon. As a result, it is expected to continue moving north-northeastwards along coastal Odisha towards the West Bengal coast "it added. 

Schools have been instructed to remain shut in 19 Odisha districts today due to the predicted heavy rain. People from 41 coastal villages in the districts of Bhadrak have been relocated to various shelters. COVID-19 protocols have been implemented. 

Over 54,008 people have been evacuated from three districts in Andhra Pradesh: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam. There are up to 197 relief camps in schools and community halls. 

Eleven NDRF teams have been sent, along with five SDRF teams and six Coast Guard units. Rs. 1 crore has been reserved to deal with any unanticipated circumstances. 

In the coming days, heavy to very heavy rain is forecasted in parts of West Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in one or two locations in Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts on Saturday, as well as heavy rain in North and South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Hooghly, and Howrah. 

Residents of the state's low-lying areas, mostly in the districts of South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, have been relocated to higher lands and safer shelters. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF have been stationed in several coastal locations to conduct rapid rescue and relief operations. 

The Indian Navy is stepping up rescue and relief activities. A total of 13 flood relief teams (FRT) and four diving teams are on standby to help in rescue and relief operations. 

"Four ships are on standby with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) bricks, diving and medical teams to offer assistance in the most impacted locations along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts," according to a press release.