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Heavy rainfall expected in these states, IMD issues warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha and West Bengal later this week. As per a senior IMD official, a low-pressure area that has formed over south Thailand and adjoining Andaman sea is likely to intensify into depression by December 2 and an intracycle storm by December 3.

“A low-pressure area, formed over south Thailand and adjoining Andaman Sea today, is likely to move west-northwestwards and centre over Andaman in 12hrs to intensify into depression by December 2 and intracycle storm by December 3,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), told news agency ANI.

He said winds with speeds of 40-60 kmph will prevail over the Andaman Sea today.

“It will move northwestwards from December 3 to reach near north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast by December 4 morning. Wind speed will then be 90-110 kmph over the west-central Bay of Bengal.”

Mohapatra said a heavy to very heavy rainfall will be witnessed at a few places in Odisha on December 4, in West Bengal on December 5, and in the northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur on December 5 and 6.

“We have warned fishermen not to venture into the sea from December 2 onwards. Farmers are advised to secure their harvested standing crops in north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and northeastern states, as there will be significant damage,” he said.

Pranchal Srivastava