Cyclone Jawad: IMD issues alert in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that there is deep pressure over south-east Bay of Bengal. On Friday, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena informed that cyclonic storm Jawad is likely to make landfall near the coastal areas of Puri district. Cyclone Jawad (pronounced Jovad) is expected to cross north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts on Saturday (December 4) morning, before resurfacing and reaching Puri in Odisha by noon on Sunday (December 5), turning north-northeast. Before moving from east to west.

According to the latest bulletin, "the deep depression over west-central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal lay centred at 08:30 hrs IST as of today at about 480 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 600 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 700 km south-southwest of Paradip (Odisha)." 

IMD's predictions 

On Friday, the Meteorological Department predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Andhra and Odisha - where an orange alert has been issued - and Bengal. Winds gusting to 100 kmph gusting to 80 to 90 kmph are likely. From December 6, the intensity of the rain will reduce and shift towards the northeastern regions, which will also come under the influence of the cyclone.  

Due to the cyclone, the state government has decided to shut down the Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district for tourists. The Konark International Dance Festival in Konark in Puri district is also cancelled. Apart from this, SRC Jena said, "Sunday week-off of all government employees has been cancelled and officials are directed not to leave headquarters. Besides, those on leave have been asked to cancel their offs and join duty as early as possible."