The Odisha government has put seven districts on alert in view of cyclonic activities in the South China Sea.
In this regard, the Revenue and Disaster management department of the Odisha government issued an advisory on Thursday.
"A cyclonic storm Pabuk lay centered at 0830 hours IST of 03rd January 2019 over South China Sea near latitude 6.0°N and longitude 105.0° E, about 1500 km east-southeast of Port Blair. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and emerge into Andaman sea around the forenoon of 05th January 2019. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andaman islands around evening/ night of 06th January. Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve northeastwards towards Myanmar coast and weaken further during 7th -8th January, 2019," the advisory read.
The Special Relief Commissioner asked collectors of seven districts including, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Ganjam and Khurda to stay alert and monitor the situation.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Kolkata has warned of heavy rains in Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to approaching tropical cyclone 'Pabuk' which will emerge in the Andaman sea on January 5, an official said on Thursday.
"Heavy rains are predicted in the Andaman Islands from January 5-7. The tropical cyclonic storm 'Pabuk' is currently located above South China sea, almost 1,500 km from Port Blair," said scientist A.K. Sen.
The weatherman mentioned that it is gradually approaching and is likely to emerge into the Andaman sea around the forenoon of January 5. Heavy rain is predicted for the next day as the storm will pass across the islands.
"It will then recurve towards north-east and move to Myanmar coast," he said.
Squally wind with a speed ranging between 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph with a gradual increase up to 75 kmph is likely over the Andaman Sea from January 4.
The fishermen are advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea from January 4-7 and into adjoining southeast and the east-central Bay of Bengal from January 6-7.
Fishermen and others in the deep sea are also advised to return to the coast by tonight.
(Agencies)
