FANI Becomes Extremely Severe Cyclone, to Hit Odisha on May 3 Near Gopalpur and Puri Coast

Cyclone Fani, which has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, will be hitting the Odisha coast on Friday with wind speed around 205kmph. The Odisha government has declared holiday at schools and colleges in the state on Thursday in anticipation of the oncoming cyclonic storm.

As Odisha faces simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has requested the Chief Election Commissioner to remove the Model Code of Conduct and postpone elections in the Patkura assembly seat in Kendrapara, which is scheduled for May 19.

Cyclone to Make Landfall on May 3: IMD

IMD Director General Dr KJ Ramesh said on Wednesday Fani cyclone is now extremely severe. Cyclone Fani will make landfall near Puri on May 3 evening. The cyclone will have a major impact on coastal areas of Odisha and coastal belt of West Bengal, IMD’s official said.

IMD Director General Dr KJ Ramesh said most of the coastal areas in West Bengal will experience furious weather due to cyclone on May 4.

He added that people are advised not to go near the coast in Odisha and West Bengal from May 3-5.

Poll Code Lifted in 11 Districts

The Election Commission (EC) has lifted the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in 11 costal districts of Odisha in anticipation of the landfall of Cyclone Fani. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mr. Surendra Kumar told Election Commission lifts it for facilitate relief and rescue operations.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday evening issued a Yellow Alert for the Odisha coast, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Fani at places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh and other areas along the coastline.

Doctor’s Leaves Cancelled

The Odisha government has cancelled leaves of doctors and other members of the health department till May 15. The administration has asked those on leave to report back.