Cyclone Yaas Live Update: Heavy Rain in Odisha as East Coast Braces for Cyclonic Storm, 14 Districts on High Alert

Weather in India: Odisha has been particularly hit hard by cyclonic storms since long in the history. Now, the state government has put all coastal and adjoining districts on high alert in sight of the cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ within the Bay of Bengal. 

As various parts of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar too, received heavy rainfall on Friday, even as state government laid down guidelines for coastal districts as a result of forecast on the formation of cyclonic storm. 

As per sources, at least 14 districts have been put on high alert in the state. Meanwhile, the state government has also asked Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to be ready and well prepared for the emerging situation. 

After the meeting, senior officers, Odisha Chief Secretary S C Mohapatra said that the state administration is ready if cyclone 'Yaas' has any impact on the state. 

In a statement issued by IMD said, “A low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman sea and adjoining East-Central of Baby of Bengal on May 22 with moderate to high possibility of formation of ‘Cyclogenesis’ (development of depression) on May 23. The system is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 24. It is very likely to move north- westwards and reach near Odisha and West Bengal coasts around May 26 in the morning.” 

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena told the press agency, “The DIG of Indian Coast Guard has informed us that two of their flights and two ships are making rounds of the Bay of Bengal. They will rescue the fishermen if trapped anywhere in the sea”. He also added that the authorities of Indian Naval Ship Chilika and Indian Navy have been alerted, who are in regular touch with the state government.  

Fishermen have been recommended not to venture into the deep sea area of central Bay of Bengal between May 23 and May 25 and into north Bay of Bengal along and off the Odisha coast from May 24 to May 27. 

Moreover, apart from the effect of Cyclone Yaas in Odisha and West Bengal, there is likely to be widespread rainfall in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and districts of the east coast. 

District administrative officials, Disaster Management Groups, police, health care workers, fire department, municipal officers and heads of various panchayats were advised to stay alert. Work on to build up relief camps are also going on for the people living in the possible landfall zone.