Bhubaneswar: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm ‘Phethai’ by Saturday and hit Andhra Pradesh’s coast on Monday afternoon, the Indian Meteorological Department said.
Cyclone Phethai is set to bring heavy downpour in several parts of south Odisha from December 16 to 18.
Cyclone Phethai is the third cyclone in the northeast monsoon season after cyclones Gaja and Titli. In November, Cyclone Gaja claimed 45 lives and damaged over 1.17 lakh houses. At least 57 people died in Cyclone Titli in Odisha in October.
As per the Special Bulletin, Phethai is will bring isolated heavy to heavy rainfall in districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Kalahandi on December 16. For December 17, rain alert has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts.
Distance Cautionary Signal (DC) No. 1 has been kept hoisted at all ports of Odisha in view of the approaching cyclonic storm.
As far as fishermen are concerned, they have been advised not to venture the seacoast and farmers are asked to keep their harvested paddy in safe places.
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Ms Kalinga