The Odisha government is fully geared up to face any eventuality arising out of the heavy rainfall expected to be triggered by the cyclonic storm Asani which is taking shape in the Bay of Bengal.

Though the cyclone may spare Odisha of its disastrous impact, heavy rainfall is predicted under its influence in the coastal region of the state.

Under the impact of Asani, rainfall has already started in many parts of the state, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Bhadrak.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) prediction, “The system is very likely to move northwards till May 10 and reach west central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts. Thereafter, it is very likely to recurve north-northeastwards and move towards northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast. It is likely to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during next 48 hours.”

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P.K. Jena said all the fishermen who had gone into the deep sea for fishing, have already returned to the shore. The Odisha government has issued alert for 115 blocks of four districts — Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara. These places are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Despite the likelihood of Asani just kissing the state coast and changing course, the Odisha government is not taking any chances as it has a long experience of dealing with such cyclones. While high velocity winds cause the maximum damage during a cyclone rains under its influence, too, wreak havoc.

In the past torrential rains triggered by cyclones have destroyed thousands of acres of crops besides damaging kucha houses. Hence the government is making all possible arrangements to minimise such damage and to bring relief to people hit by the cyclone at the earliest.