The cyclonic storm Bulbul – that has been formed in central Bay of Bengal – has by now intensified into very severe cyclonic storm as it approaches the coast of West Bengal. The storm is currently located 530 km from the coast of West Bengal.
It has shifted direction a number of times and is expected to impact the coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh in the early hours of Sunday, November 10. If its speed changes, it might hit the coast even earlier. The storm will likely hit the landmass at a speed of 110-120 kilometre per hour, accompanied by gusty winds at 135 kilometre per hour, the Indian Meteorological Department authorities have said.
The coastal districts of West Bengal may experience gusty winds at 40-60 km per hour starting Friday evening. North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore along with Kolkata are thus experiencing light to moderate rainfall throughout Friday. This intensity of the rainfall will continue in most places in the coastal districts even on Saturday. Parts of North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia and East Midnapore are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday as well.
The sea conditions will remain rough to very rough on Friday and the intensity will increase on Saturday and Sunday, the IMD reported. Fishermen have been asked to return from the sea and asked to not venture into the sea till the alert is lifted. As a precautionary measure, some schools have declared holiday on Saturday. Also, district officials in the coastal regions of West Bengal have been alerting people asking them to not go near the sea.
The Centre has promised all kinds of assistance to the state in fighting possible emergencies. Seventeen National Disaster Response Force teams have been sent to the state. State administrative headquarters Nabanna has alerted the coastal districts and has set up a 24-hour control room to keep a close watch on the situation.
