Oct 11, 2013 16:12 (IST)
Not right to call Phailin super-cyclone yet: Met departmentDr LS Rathore, Director General, IMD says:
- The very severe cyclonic storm has been moving north-westward
- Wind speeds of 200 kmph, gusting upto 230 kmph
- Expect heavy to very heavy rainfall
- Some parts of Odisha may get extremely heavy rainfall - above 25 cm in 24 hours
- It is currently 450 kilometres from Gopalpur
- Rainfall has already started in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha - it will further intensify in the evening
- Rainfall expected in North Chhattisgarh and South Jharkhand. Also, in Gangetic West Bengal, Eastern UP and Bihar
- Storm surge of around three metres is likely around the Odisha coast
- Super cyclone is above 220 kmph and gusting upto 250, so this is touch and go. We are monitoring closely and don't expect further intensification
- Consciously and strictly monitoring the situation
- Don't contemplate that it will intensify further. It will remain a 'very severe' cyclone
- Chilka is also likely to be impacted
- Communication towers may be impacted. Coastal areas may be inundated
- Expect disruption of road and rail traffic due to flooding
- We have issued warnings to all stakeholders including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments
- Not right to call Phailin super-cyclone yet
- Evacuation process has already begun