Monday, October 21: The
Bay of Bengal seems to be in a mood as it churns out one low after another. Just last week, it gave us a scare after it showed signs of turning into a full-fledged cyclone. While it was only able to collect enough moisture to intensify into a depression, it still caused plenty of rains across Tamil Nadu, Andhra and even Karnataka.
Now, not even a week later, another ominous
low pressure area is brewing in the east central and adjoining southeast Bay. And this time, it is likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm —
Cyclone Dana.
According to the
India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low will continue moving west-northwestwards and strengthen into a
depression by Tuesday morning (October 22), and a
cyclonic storm by Wednesday (October 23). Thereafter, it will chart a path northwestwards and most likely hit Odisha-West Bengal coasts on Thursday morning (October 24) as a
severe cyclonic storm.
Under the influence of this fearsome cyclone,
heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) are expected over
Odisha and
West Bengal on Wednesday. Up to
extremely heavy downpours (more than 204.5 mm) are forecast over the two states on the subsequent two days — Thursday and Friday. North Andhra may also witness heavy showers in this duration.
Red warnings have been issued over Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal on October 24-25 so as to urge locals to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Fisherfolk have been asked to avoid going to sea. Further, since
flooding and reduction in visibility are possible due to the torrential rains, disruption in traffic and increased travel times are to be expected. Residents are advised against venturing into the rain and avoiding areas prone to waterlogging. Damage to communication lines and breaking/uprooting of trees is possible due to the wet conditions and gusty winds. Locals must be vigilant to avoid any accidents in these cases.
For now, local bodies are reportedly evacuating vulnerable populations from the
coastal areas. Multi-purpose cyclone shelters are also being readied to house people. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts.
