A severe cyclonic storm is expected to hit the Odisha Coast by October 12, triggering panic in at least 14 districts of the state, which have been put on a high alert. The storm may mar the festive mood of the people in Odisha, as it coincides with the Durga Puja celebrations. the cyclone has been named as ‘Phailin’.
A depression has been formed over the Bay of Bengal, which will intensify into a deep depression and then into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday. It is expected to hit the Odisha Coast by Saturday evening.
The depression has been formed over North-Andaman Sea and centred about 1,450 km southeast of Paradip. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha could be affected by the storm unless it weakens and move towards Bangladesh and Myanmar.
In Odisha, 14 districts, including Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Ganjam, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Nayagarh, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur have been put on high alert. The district collectors have been asked to take all precautionary measures to tackle the situation.
Paradip and Gopalpur ports have been asked to hoist Distant Cautionary Signal Number One. The fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea over the next few days.
