By Biozodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 25, 2016 : Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday held a review meeting here to take stock of the preparedness in case the cyclone Kyant hits the state in the next few days. .

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department had predicted less impact of cyclone Kyant in Odisha.

Patnaik held discussions with collectors of 14 districts via video conference and directed them to remain alert, informed Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra after the meeting.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to be ready with their contingency plan for rescue and relief operation during the cyclone period.

“As per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Kyant is heading towards Andhra Pradesh. However, collectors of 14 districts have been asked to stay alert. They have also been asked to advise farmers to keep the harvested crops covered as rain is expected under the influence of the cyclonic storm. Government holidays have been cancelled in view of possible rain on October 29 and 30,” the SRC said.

“The cyclonic storm ‘KYANT’ over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal moved West-Southwestwards in past 06 hours with speed 09 kmph and lay centred at 1730 hrs IST of 25th October, 2016 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal, near Latitude 16.8º N and Longitude 90.5º E, 650 km East-Southeast of Gopalpur. The system is very likely to slightly intensify further during next 36 hours. It is most likely to move West-Southwestwards towards Westcentral Bay of Bengal during next 72 hours. Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is very likely to commence along and off Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh coasts from 27th October 2016 onwards. Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea along and off Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh coasts from 27 October onwards,” the bulletin added.