Odisha gears up to face Cyclone Bulbul

Following the India Meteorological Department forecast that Cyclone Bulbul is likely to lash the state with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday, Odisha government today decided to deploy NDRF and ODRAF teams in coastal districts of the State as a precautionary measure.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government is all set to deploy NDRF and ODRAF teams in coastal districts as a precautionary measure following the India Meteorological Department forecast that Cyclone Bulbul is likely to hit the state with heavy rains and strong winds from Friday.

Special Relief Commissioner Pradip Jena said authorities have been asked to send the NDRF and ODRAF teams to the districts likely to be affected by today to help in relief and rescue. Besides, the district collectors of nine districts have been asked to remain alert and keep cyclone shelters ready with all required arrangements.

The IMD has predicted gale reaching 70-80 kmph and increasing to 90 kmph towards November 9 afternoon in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak districts.

Puri, Ganjam and Jajpur districts are likely to experience squall (40-50kmph to 60 kmph) on November 8-9. The IMD has also issued warning on likely damages to property in the coastal districts.