Cyclone Bulbul set to intensify into very severe cyclonic storm

Cyclone Bulbul over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm today, triggering heavy rain in parts of Odisha and West Bengal. Met deparment has advised people in affected areas to remain indoors and total suspension of fishing from today.

The two states are bracing to contain the damage from the storm.The cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' over east-central Bay of Bengal continued to move northwards with a speed of 21 kmph during past 6 hours and lay about 410 km south-southeast of Odisha’s Paradip coast. It is very  likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in next 12 hrs likely and move north-northwestwards towards the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh coasts.

The Bhubaneswar Met Office today predicted moderate rainfall in several places of the State and heavy to very heavy rainfall in Puri, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts. The government has deployed NDRF and ODRAF teams in as a precautionary measure in these areas. Special Relief Commissioner Pradip Jena



said authorities of nine districts have been asked to remain and keep cyclone shelters ready with all required arrangements. All schools and Anganwadi centres has been ordered closed today and tomorrow in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts.

Meanwhile the West Bengal Government has taken all necessary measures to deal with the cyclonic Storm Bulbul which is likely to hit the State. Coastal districts of the State North and South 24 Paraganas and East and West Midnapur districts have been ed to deal with any eventualities. Special vigil has been ordered on the Sundarbans embankments. Tourists visiting Digha, Mandermoni have been advised not to go into the sea for bathing or water sports. Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. Kolkata Municipal Corporation has called a high level meeting today to take stock of the situation. Leave of employees of civic body have been cancelled. Special control rooms have been opened at the State Secretariat to monitor the situation.