Cyclone Yaas: Odisha On High Alert As Low Pressure Area Forms In Bay Of Bengal, To Intensify Tomorrow

The IMD said that the movement of the system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly.

Representational Image (Source: PTI)

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department put out a warning about cyclone 'Yaas' stating that a 'low pressure area has formed over east central Bay of Bengal today'.

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26th. 

"A Low pressure area has formed over east central Bay of Bengal today the 22nd May 2021 morning (0830 hrs IST). It is very likely to concentrate into a Depression over east central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow, the 23rd May morning. It is very likely move north-north-westwards, intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and further into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours," the IMD said. 

It would continue to move north-north westwards, intensify further and reach north Bay of Bengal near West Bengal and the adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts by the morning of May 26, it said.

"It is very likely to cross West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha & Bangladesh coasts around evening of 26th May," it added. 

Odisha braces itself

The Odisha government has put all the costal regions and adjoin districts on high alert, apart from which the state government Friday urged the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to be prepared for the emerging situation, official sources said according to PTI. 

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena aid the authorities of Indian Naval Ship Chilika and Indian Navy have been alerted and are in toch with the state government to meet the challenges posed by the possible calamity.

The power distribution companies and telecom providers are told to remain prepared to start restoration work as soon as the calamity is over. Adequate number of generators have been kept in ready condition to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.

Jena said that the district collectors have already identified suitable pucca buildings to keep people in safe shelter.

"This time we need more such shelters keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic. All attempts to be made to maintain social distancing and other adhere to coronavirus protocol during the rescue, relief and restoration activities," he said

Wind speed and sea conditions 

Talking about wind speed, the IMD said that from May 24th onwards wind speed is likely to be 40-50 kmph gusting 60 kmph over North Bay of Bengal and along and off Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh coasts from 24th evening.

"It would gradually increase further becoming 90-100 gusting to 110 kmph from 26th forenoon and increase thereafter till 26th evening," it further said.

The east central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea will see wind speed reaching 65 kmph to 75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph over major parts of central Bay of Bengal from 24th morning and would increase gradually till May 25th. 

The Meteorological dept has said that the sea conditions is likely to be rough to very rough and has advised the fishermen not to venture into southeast & east central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and along and off Andaman & Nicobar Islands, "during 22nd – 24th May, into central Bay of Bengal from 23rd – 25th May and into north Bay of Bengal and along & off West Bengal – Odisha – Bangladesh coasts from 24th – 26th May."