By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting in view of the possible formation of cyclone ‘Mocha’ over the Bay of Bengal.
Chief Secretary Pradip Kumar Jena said all efforts will be made to ensure zero casualties during the calamity. All Collectors have been alerted in this regard. Around 1000 cyclone shelters are in readiness while more safe places including school buildings have been identified, the official said.
Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu said control rooms have been prepared after holding discussion with Collectors of 18 districts. As many as 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept ready, he said.
The US weather forecast model Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have forecasted the formation of a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. If the cyclone is formed it will be called ‘Mocha’. The weather forecast model of Windy said that Cyclone Mocha is likely to form by May 11.
“A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 06th May, 2023. Under its influence, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over the same region during subsequent 48 hours,” the IMD said.
