Cyclonic storm Bulbul 350 km off Paradip; coastal Odisha to experience rain and storm from today

Bhubaneswar, 8/11: The cyclonic storm Bulbul is at present located 350 km off Paradip coast and under its influence north coastal Odisha  will experience rain and storm from today, said Special Relief Commissioner and Disaster Management Secretary Pradip Kumar Jena. Briefing the newsmen about the cyclone update, SRC Jena said the cyclonic storm is moving at the speed of 10 km per hour and is likely to reach 130 km from Paradip tomorrow morning. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara tomorrow. Squally wind up to the speed of around 70 km per hour gusting up to 80-90 km per hour is likely to prevail in these districts. The SRC said that the district administrations concerned have been asked to stay prepared to face any eventuality. Two Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been sent to each vulnerable districts. Six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deputed to six coastal districts, likely to be hit by the heavy rain and storm. Additional fire service personnel have been kept ready at Bhubaneswar. Energy department has been asked to restore power supply and the Fire Service and Works Department have been instructed to clear the road and cut down the uprooted trees in case of disruption in road communication due to storm. Farmers have been advised to harvest ripe crops and store them in safe places and fishermen not to go to sea for fishing.