Cyclone Fani has converted into an ‘Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm’ as had been previously predicted by the Met Department. Odisha coast has been issues a ‘Yellow’ Warning, Fani has been forming over the Bay of Bengal and has gained the wind speeds of upto 200 km/hr, it will be hitting the coast of Odisha by Friday afternoon. Heavy to very Heavy rains have been predicted in many areas.
The Navy, the National Disaster Relief Force and the Coast Guards, all are on high alert. The Navy is prepared to handle emergency situations with aircrafts, helicopters and ships on standby. Additional medical aids, doctors, divers, rescue boats and relief materials have also been kept ready in case the need arises.
Odisha has also kept 879 multipurpose cyclone shelters ready, which are capable of providing shelter to 10 lakh people.
The NDRF has deployed 41 teams in Andhra Pradesh(8), Odisha(28) and West Bengal(5).
A storm surge of about 1.5 metre above astronomical tide has been predicted by the IMD. The administration of the low lying districts of Odisha has been put on high alert.
The Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said the Indian Airforce had been alerted and their services would be utilised in case the need arises. He also 20 units of ODRAF and 335 units of fire services had been kept ready to handle any kind of situations.
Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea and the tourists have been advised to stay away from the coast.
Image Source: IMD
