IMD warns Cyclone Jawad will form on Dec 3, Andhra Pradesh govt on high alert

Visakhapatnam: Cyclone Jawad is forming over Central Bay of Bengal, a region of the Bay of Bengal, parallel to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast, around December 3, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated in its latest weather bulletin on Thursday afternoon.

The IMD cautioned the people and governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to start pre-cyclone preparedness activities in order to mitigate its impact.

IMD Amaravati director S.Stella told Deccan Chronicle that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at most places over Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts on December 3 and 4 while heavy rains at isolated places in Visakhapatnam district. Later, the rainfall activity under the influence of the system will be shifted to West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya from December 5.

On Thursday, AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy took stock of the situation in north coastal AP over phone. He spoke to the collectors and inquired about their preparedness.

AP government launched control rooms at Vizianagaram with phone number 08922-276888 and Srikakulam - 08942-240557.

According to IMD scientist Sunitha Devi, Wednesday's low pressure became a well-marked system over southeast Bay of Bengal on Thursday. It will further be intensified into cyclone by Friday, off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. Thereafter, it is likely to move north-north-eastwards along West Bengal.

“Yes, it could become a cyclone on December 3rd. If so, the name will be Jawad. Chance of crossing the north Andhra Pradesh coast is a bit unlikely. But there would be an impact felt in terms of very heavy rains and strong winds over the northernmost three districts as the system will be close to this area on 4th December,” Sunitha told Deccan Chronicle.

Gale winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph likely to prevail over central Bay of Bengal from the morning of December 3 and gradually increase becoming 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph over the sea.

Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph likely to commence along and off North Andhra Pradesh – Odisha coasts from the mid-night of December 3 and increase gradually becoming 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph from December 4 morning.

Sea condition will be rough to very rough over along and off North Andhra Pradesh - Odisha coast from the mid-night of 3rd December and become high to very high from 4th afternoon.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till further instructions from the governments.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Atul Karwal informed that a total of 33 more teams are being deployed at the required places to deal with the situation arising out of the impending cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.

Karwal's statements came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on cyclone-related issues.

Speaking to reporters, Karwal said, "PM Modi held a meeting today and he has been given the details of the cyclone situation. We are in constant contact with the state governments and assuring them of providing required NDRF teams."

"A total of 29 teams have already been deployed at the required places. Now a total of 33 teams are also being deployed to deal with the situation. All the people have been taken to safer places," the DG-NDRF added.