IMD issues a warning for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bengal as Cyclone Asani intensifies into a'severe' cyclonic storm today.

Today, cyclone Asani is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha have all been issued a weather warning.

Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are bracing for the cyclone Asani, which is expected to form on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significant rainfall in these regions. Today, Cyclone Asani is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, according to the report.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation workers and disaster management teams have been placed on high alert. In light of the storm, the KMC has also built up a control room.

On Monday morning, heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms pounded Kolkata, flooding many parts of the city. Kolkata KMC has put its personnel and disaster management teams on high alert, according to Mayor Firhad Hakim, according to news agency PTI.

A few pictures of our frontline SWM workers on duty after the heavy rainfall to prevent blockage of drains.#KMConDuty pic.twitter.com/U1ynXyTeBM

— Kolkata Municipal Corporation (@kmc_kolkata) May 9, 2022

ALERT FROM KMC

"All staff' leaves are being canceled to deal with any emergency that may arise as a result of the cyclone," he added. From Tuesday to Friday, the IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall over Gangetic West Bengal.

It has also issued a rain warning for one or two locations in West Bengal's coastal districts of Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas. According to PTI, these districts are preparing cyclone shelters, schools, and other pucca structures, as well as dry food and vital medications, in case of an emergency.

The IMD predicted that cyclonic storm Asani would increase significantly in the next 24 hours on Sunday morning. The weather service has issued an alert for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, predicting heavy rain for tomorrow.

The IMD stated in its most recent weather bulletin, "It is expected to continue northwestwards until May 10th, reaching Westcentral and adjacent Northwest Bay of Bengal off the coastlines of North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. It is quite likely to recurve north-northeastwards after that, moving into the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha. During the next 48 hours, it is expected to progressively weaken into a Cyclonic Storm." (sic)

SCS Asani moved WNW with a speed of 25 kmph during past 06 hours and lay over WC and adjoining South BoB at 0530 hours IST. To move NWwards till 10th May and reach WC & adjoining NW BoB off North AP & Odisha coasts. To weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm in next 48 hrs. pic.twitter.com/fTlSP9LR4T

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 9, 2022

According to the IMD, Asani will not make landfall in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha but would recurve north-northeastward in the sea on May 10.

IN BENGAL, EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS

The district administrations in coastal areas have taken the necessary steps and are regularly informing the public through loudspeakers and local panchayats. Civil defense volunteers have been deployed in risky locations as part of emergency response teams.

The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been activated.

ASANI GETS READY IN ODISHA

Even after receiving the information, the Odisha government stated that it is ready to deal with any emergency situation.

If an emergency situation arises, Odisha special relief commissioner Pradeep Jena said that enough measures have been prepared to evacuate 7.5 lakh people in 18 districts. Despite the fact that the IMD prognosis has provided some respite thus far, he noted, "we have not reduced our preparedness."

Furthermore, 175 specialised teams of Odisha Fire Services have been prepared as a preventive step to deploy in likely affected regions of the state.

Heavy rainfall (7-11cm) is quite likely to occur at one or two locations across the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, and Puri starting Tuesday evening, according to the weather service.

Fishermen Warning
•Fishermen are advised not to venture into Eastcentral & Southeast Bay of Bengal & adjoining Andaman Sea on 8 May.
•Fishermen are advised not to venture into central parts of Bay of Bengal on 09 & 10 May and over Northwest Bay of Bengal from 10 May- 12 May. pic.twitter.com/bpbJmpUdA7

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 8, 2022

FISHERMAN'S ADVISORY

"From May 10, fishermen are warned not to go out into the sea." Fishermen who are at sea should return to shore by the evening of May 9. The weatherman advised that fishing and tourism activities be halted between May 10 and 12, 2022.

On May 10 and 11, the IMD has issued a rain warning for bordering parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.