Cyclone ‘Amphan’ is becoming stronger with each passing hour. It is expected to take its extreme form in the next 12 hours, which could cause heavy losses in Bengal and Odisha. In view of this, a total of 17 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF, National Disaster Response Force) have been sent to both the states. The National Disaster Management Committee is also constantly reviewing the situation. A committee headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has held a meeting regarding preparations to deal with it.
Estimated to reach 20 May afternoon or evening
According to the information received from the Meteorological Department, the cyclonic storm is currently in the southeast of the Bay of Bengal and is moving from north to northwest at a speed of six kilometers per hour. Its velocity is increasing gradually. By the afternoon or evening of May 20, it is expected to pass between Sagar Island in Bengal and Hatia Island in Bangladesh. If this happens, thunderstorms and torrential rains will start in the coastal districts of Bengal from Monday.
The work of evacuating people living in the sea areas to safe places started
According to the meteorologists, on Tuesday, strong winds of 60 to 65 kmph can be experienced in the coastal districts of Bengal. The storm’s speed may increase to 95 km on Wednesday, causing widespread damage. As the storm moves towards land, the sea will start to become turbulent. In this regard, the administration has started moving people living in maritime areas to safe places. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to go to sea.
Read also: Lockdown 4.0: New guidelines for the fourth phase of lockdown
Odisha may face more impact of the storm
Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North, and South 24 Parganas and East and West Medinipur are the districts of South Bengal which will be affected the most. The storm will have relatively less impact in North Bengal. Odisha may have to face the most fury of the storm once again.
Read also: Heavy rains in Kerala and Karnataka, warning for next 4 days
Meanwhile, NDRF General Director SN Prasad said that the situation is being closely monitored. We are in constant touch with the meteorological department, state governments under the cyclone, and various related agencies. Seven teams have been dispatched to six districts of Bengal, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Howrah and Hooghly districts, while 10 teams have been sent to Puri, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha. Each team consists of 45 people.