Odisha weather news, cyclone Sitrang update: 7 coastal districts on alert ahead of landfall this weekend; IMD issues alert

Odisha weather news, cyclone Sitrang update: Odisha could be bracing for yet another cyclone, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting the possible formation of such a weather system over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) this weekend. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining eastcentral Bay of Bengal over the next 48 hours, the IMD said.

"It is likely to move west-northweswards and concentrate into a depression by October 22 morning over the central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm over west-central BoB subsequently," it said.

IMD Director-General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said though the depression is likely to become well-marked and turn into a cyclonic storm, no forecast is being made on the intensity of the system and its path at present. "We may give more details of the cyclone only after the formation of a low-pressure area," he said. Odisha has encountered at least three major storms in 2021, including Yaas' (May), Gulab' (September) and Jawad' (December). 

Coastal districts on alert

The state government has put coastal districts Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Khordha and Ganjam on alert in view of the possible cyclonic storm. 

IMD advises fishermen not to venture into deep sea

The weather office advised the fishermen not to venture into deep sea area of westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from October 22 morning onward till further notice.

State govt convenes meeting 

The Odisha government held a review meeting to oversee the state's preparedness in the wake of the forecast. It also cancelled the leaves of its employees from October 23 to October 25 in the coastal districts, which have been put on alert. 

West Bengal keeping close watch 

The Met Department in Kolkata is keeping a close watch on the weather system. It is likely to cause rain in the coastal districts of West Bengal from October 23. 

(Inputs from agencies)