Met Dept alert of cyclonic storm to hit Odisha-Bengal coast on May 26

A low-pressure area, set to form over east central Bay of Bengal on May 22, is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and strike the Odisha-West Bengal coast on May 26, the Met department said on Thursday, sparking fears of another Amphan-like catastrophe. Regional Met director G K Das said several places in Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall from May 25, and isolated areas may encounter heavy showers. The intensity of rainfall may gradually increase, especially in the



Gangetic belts.

The Met department has also warned of rough to very rough sea conditions.

Fishermen in West Bengal have been advised against venturing into the sea for a few days from May 23. Those who are out with trawlers have been requested to return to the shore in the next two days.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it is closely monitoring the developments on the Bay of Bengal, and has initiated preventive measures.