Cyclone Sitrang: Storm Alert In Odisha, Andhra And West Bengal; Flood Situation In Bengaluru Due To Heavy Rains

New Delhi: Before Diwali, there is a cyclone threat over Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Potential cyclonic storm Sitrang is active in North Andaman and its adjoining areas. According to the Meteorological Department, on October 22, 

Cyclone Sitrang can turn into a depression in the central Bay of Bengal. On 23 and 24 October, this cyclone can take the form of a major storm in the Bay of West Central Bengal.

Sitrang has crossed the first hurdle. Low pressure area has developed over North Andaman Sea and Southeast Bay of Bengal (BoB). 

According to Skymet Weather, its intensification in a phased manner is likely over the next 3 days to a depression, deep depression and finally cyclonic storm by late Saturday or Sunday.

Ongoing consolidation and reorganization of this weather system under favorable environmental conditions will help churning the first tropical storm of the past monsoon season. Also, the storm will find a long sea travel as it moves northwest, crossing various stages of intensification.

Regarding this, the Odisha government has asked its officers to be on alert. However, initial indicators suggest the storm sparing Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. 

Alert in Odisha: In view of the situation, the Odisha administration has issued an alert in the coastal districts. Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea from October 22. Apart from Odisha, the cyclone is also likely to affect West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

Flood like situation in Bangalore: On the other hand, there has been a flood-like situation in Bangalore for three days. Roads were blocked in residential areas, water and power lines were snapped due to heavy rains on Wednesday. Several vehicles were damaged after the retaining wall of Namma Metro station collapsed in Seshadripuram area.

Roads have also been broken at many places due to the rain. The most affected areas are Bellandur's IT area, Whitefield, Outer Ring Road and BEML Layout. A yellow alert has been issued in the city for the next three days.