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Cyclone threat: State still on alert

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm called SIDR moved northwards and there were indications that the atmospheric system would not hit Orissa, the State government remained on high alert on Wednesday.

“The threat of cyclone is not yet over. SIDR is in proximity of Sagar Island, which is some 60 km from the Balasore coast. So, we have to remain alert for heavy rains under the influence of the system,” Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Nikunja K. Sundaray said here.

Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting, which was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal. “District Collectors have been asked to keep a close watch on the cyclone threat. We are expecting that the wind speed may reach 40-50 kmph while SIDR moves northerly,” Mr. Sundaray said. Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre said: “The SIDR over east central and adjoining west central and southeast Bay of Bengal moved northwards and lay centred at 14.30 hours IST of Wednesday about 600 km South southeast of Paradip.”

“Rain or thundershowers at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places are likely to commence from Thursday forenoon over coastal districts of Orissa,” the met office added.

It further said that squally winds with speed reaching 50-60 km were likely along and off the coast from Thursday and the sea condition would be very rough. Many heaved a sigh of relief in the evening with the SIDR heading towards Bangladesh.

However, the warnings that were published in newspapers triggered panic in villages close to the seashore. In the morning, people, who had experienced the horrific 1999-super cyclone, went into panic buying mode. They purchased and stored vegetables and other essential items.

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