Curated By: Sanstuti Nath
Last Updated: November 29, 2023, 13:18 IST
Cyclone Alert: Threat of Cyclone Michaung looms. Odisha takes precautions for safety. (File Image: PTI)
The name Michaung has been suggested by Myanmar, which is the sixth cyclone in the Indian Ocean, and the fourth in the Bay of Bengal this year
The Odisha government has put seven coastal districts in the state on alert amid a low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea, which is likely to intensify into a cyclone. The system has already transformed into a well-marked low-pressure area, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in an alert regarding the developing weather system on Wednesday.
As per IMD, the system is expected to move in a west-northwest direction, gradually intensifying into a Depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 30, and eventually develop into cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ by December 2.
Cyclone named by Myanmar
The name Michaung has been suggested by Myanmar, which is the sixth cyclone in the Indian Ocean, and the fourth in the Bay of Bengal this year.
Heavy Rainfall In Andaman & Nicobar
In view of the developing weather system, the weather agency forecasted light to moderate rainfall at most places in the Nicobar Islands, with isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the islands between November 29 and December 1.
“Strong winds, reaching speeds of 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph, are expected over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining Andaman & Nicobar Islands on November 29,” IMD said.
7 Districts in Odisha on Alert
Amid the cyclone warning, Odisha government has put Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts on alert.
Warning Issued For Fishermen
In the letter to collectors of these districts, Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahoo said that as the sea conditions are likely to be very rough, fishermen are advised not to venture out from December 1, and those who have gone to the sea should return by that day.
“The Fisheries and Animal Resources Department will ensure communication of warning/ alert messages to fishermen, and boats plying in the sea and details of boats and fishermen returned regularly,” he said.
Thunderstorms Likely in Odisha
Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre’s Director HR Biswas said the exact path of the system will be known once the low-pressure area intensifies into a depression.
He said light to moderate rains and thundershowers are likely in some areas of Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Jagatsinghpur on December 3.
