Odisha, Bengal brace for severe cyclonic storm; evacuations underway

COAST GUARD ON HIGH ALERT

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BHUBANESWAR/ KOLKATA: As a severe cyclonic storm looms over the eastern coast of India, both Odisha and West Bengal have intensified efforts to mitigate the impact of the impending disaster. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rains and gale-force winds in the region as a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Tuesday, with the potential to develop into a severe cyclonic storm.

Odisha, which is likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone, has ramped up preparations with widespread evacuations and the closure of educational institutions in vulnerable districts. Neighbouring West Bengal has also put emergency measures in place, with both states gearing up to face the storm that is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal in the early hours of October 25.

The IMD's latest bulletin indicates that the depression is currently centred about 700 km from Paradip in Odisha and 750 km from Sagar Island in West Bengal. According to IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra, the storm will likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. Coastal regions in both states are expected to experience torrential rain, flooding, and high waves, posing significant risks to life and property.