By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 16, 2020: Odisha is bracing up for another severe cyclonic storm, which is expected to re-curve and move towards north Odisha coast during May 18 to 20.

The depression in Bay of Bengal is presently intensifying into cyclonic storm called Amphan. However, landfall still remains a suspense with Indian Meteorological Directorate (IMD) yet to name the place. However, the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) predicts land fall somewhere between Bhadrak and Balasore.

But the GFS model of US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that cyclone Amphan will make landfall near Arongatha in Bangladesh.

The cyclone Amphan impact on Odisha will be felt mostly on May 19 & 20 in districts like Puri, Balasore and Mayurbhanj.

Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba reviewed Odisha’s preparedness for the impending cyclone amidst ongoing COVID-19 management activities.

While briefing the Cabinet secretary about State’s preparedness, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy informed that around 7 lakh people in 649 villages along the sea coast are likely to be severely affected. The standing crop in lakhs of hectares, particularly, ripe summer paddy, pulses, oil seeds, cashew, mango, vegetables and coconut are likely to be damaged in the heavy rainfall and wind, he added.

Meanwhile, the state government has put all the 12 coastal districts under alert and asked the officials to prepare for any eventuality in case of change in track of the cyclone.”

The districts which have been asked to remain prepared includes- Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Dhenkanal.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asked Collectors of 12 districts to work in close coordination with State government officials to ensure ‘Zero Casualty.’

Patnaik pointed out that Odisha has faced severe cyclones like Phailin, Hudhud, Titli, Fani and Bulbul and managed successfully. “I appeal people not to panic and cooperate with the administration to effectively manage the situation,” the CM said.

Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services personnel have been asked to remain prepared. However, their pre-positioning will be decided following latest forecast by IMD regarding the path of the cyclone.