Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: With another cyclone brewing over the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government today directed the concerned departments and officials to remain alert and take immediate measures to tackle the cyclone and rain situation.

The deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm ‘Morasu’ and expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the Andhra Pradesh coast. Vulnerable regions are being continuously monitored, said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.

Extensive preparation has been made by the administration to evacuate people from low-lying and high-risk coastal areas to safe places. Disaster response forces have been kept ready along with arrangements for relief camps, drinking water, and emergency medical services, he said.

Fishermen have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea due to extremely rough sea conditions.

The state government is keeping a close watch on the entire situation, he said.

Informing about the cyclone 'Arnab' and subsequent flood situation in the state, Patil said necessary steps have been taken by the administration on a war footing He said the government has accelerated the ongoing relief and restoration operations in affected areas including Ganjam and Gajapati districts.