By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 22, 2021: A low pressure area formed over east-central Bay of Bengal on Saturday is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and move towards West Bengal, adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts around May 26 morning, the met department said.

Wind speed is expected to reach 90-100 km per hour gusting to 110 kmph from May 26 forenoon along and off West Bengal, north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts, and increase thereafter till evening.

Light to moderate rainfall at most places of Gangetic West Bengal with heavy rain at isolated places is very likely to commence over coastal districts from May 25 with significant increase in intensity and area subsequently.

The impact of the developing cyclone will be evident along and off West Bengal, north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts from May 24 evening with wind speed reaching 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph, the Met Department added.

The Indian Navy has kept on standby ships and aircraft to render assistance in the most affected areas, a Defence spokesperson said adding that four naval ships are on standby with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, diving and medical teams.

Sea condition will be high to very high over major parts of central Bay of Bengal and Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts from May 24 to May 26, it said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from May 23 till further information.

Eight flood relief teams and four diving teams are prepositioned at Odisha and West Bengal to augment the existing resources, officials said.