Vaccination, testing in 3 districts suspended
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government announced Monday that Covid-19 testing, vaccination and door-to-door survey will remain suspended from May 25 to 27 in three districts. The Health and Family Welfare department issued a notification in this regard. The districts are Balasore, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj. This decision has been taken due to the threat of severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ which is all set to hit the three districts March 26.
Paradip Port ready for any situation
New Delhi: The Paradip Port Trust (PPT) administration is fully geared up to meet any eventuality due to the impending cyclone ‘Yaas’. The port administration has asked all vessels to pick up anchors and move to sea, according to a statement. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the deep depression over Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclone ‘Yaas’ in the early hours of Monday. It is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours.
Windspeeds will vary in districts: Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar: The people are living in fear and apprehension over the destruction and havoc that Cyclone ‘Yaas’ may cause. However, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified about the windspeeds that different districts will face during the cyclone. Mohapatra is also known as the ‘cyclone man’ in the weather circle for his expertise on the subject. Some districts will experience windspeeds of over 160kmph, he said.
Leaves, holidays cancelled
Bhubaneswar: As a part of its preparations to tackle severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ and its aftermath, the Odisha government has cancelled the leave of all staff. This information was given Monday by the General Administration & Public Grievance department informed in an official order. All government holidays and leaves will remain cancelled till May 31.
24×7 MHA control room ready to tackle Cyclon ‘Yaas’
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Monday the preparations for ‘Cyclone Yaas’ including the evacuation of people on the high seas as well as in vulnerable coastal areas and the safety of Covid-019 facilities. Amit Shah discussed the possible impact of the cyclone on oxygen generation plants located in West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. He asked the respective state governments to ensure their safety. The minister also said a 24×7 control room is functioning in the MHA. It can be contacted by them any time for assistance.
Naveen Patnaik appeals people to use double masks during ‘Yaas’
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a video message Monday urged people living in vulnerable places, low-lying areas, villages, and urban areas to use two mask during the severe super cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ and to shift to cyclone shelters.
Yaas effect: Rains start in a number of districts
Bhubaneswar: With the cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ moving north-northwestwards at a speed of about four kmph, the effect is being felt in many parts of Odisha. A large number of districts have already started experiencing rainfall due to the impact of ‘Yaas’ which is likely to take the shape of a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 to 40 hours.
The five districts under high alert zone, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj have already been witnessing drizzling accompanied by light gusts of wind.
Yaas threat growing
Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ developing over eastcentral Bay of Bengal is very likely cross between Paradip and Sagar Islands around Balasore by May 26 noon as a very severe cyclonic storm. Earlier it was predicted that the storm might make a landfall around May 26 evening.
“The cyclonic storm is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensifying further into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ during next 12 hours and into a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ during subsequent 24hours. It would continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Northwest Bay of Bengal near north Odisha and West Bengal coasts by 26th May early morning. It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands around Balasore, during noon of 26th May as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm,” the India Meteorological Department said in its 2.30pm bulletin.
Keeping this in view, the Odisha government has asked the collectors of all districts that may face the brunt of ‘Yaas’ to start evacuation process.
SRC PK Jena in a tweet asked the District Collectors to start evacuation process without delay. “Collectors, you must be following the changes in weather taking place. Our evacuation sd start without delay. All evacuation should be completed by tomorrow afternoon. Pl seriously look into evacuation. Zero Casualties should be our motto. Leave no stone unturned for saving lives (sic),” read the tweet.
