2019 – Posted in: Press Information Bureau – Tags: cyclone, cyclone naming, geographical phenomenon

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “FANI”

(Ministry of Earth Science)

WHAT

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani (pronounced as ‘FONI’) was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Indian state of Odisha since Phailin in 2013.

Continuing to move nearly northwards, it intensified further into very severe cyclonic storm over southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal in the early morning (0530 hrs IST) of today, the 30th April 2019.

It is very likely to move northwestwards till 01st May evening and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, to the south of Puri around 3rd May afternoon with maximum sustained wind of speed 175-185 kmph gusting to 205 kmph.

INDIAN NAVY

Indian Navy on high alert for Cyclone FANI Relief Efforts.
The Eastern Naval Command(ENC) has assumed high degree of readiness to render necessary humanitarian assistance.
Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid.
These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets etc, in quantities sufficient.

WARNINGS

Heavy Rainfall Warning: North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal.
Wind Warning: Gale wind speed reaching 145-155 kmph gusting to 170 kmph is prevailing over Southwest Bay & adjoining Southeast of Bengal. It is very likely to increase gradually becoming 175-185 kmph gusting to 205 kmph over Westcentral & adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal.
Sea Condition: The sea condition is phenomenal over Southwest Bay and adjoining Southeast & westcentral Bay of Bengal, off north Tamilnadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh Coasts.
Storm surge Warning: Storm surge of about 1.5 meter height above astronomical tide is very likely to inundate low lying areas of Ganjam, Khurda, Puri & Jagatsinghpur Districts of Odisha at the time of landfall.
Fishermen Warning: The fishermen are advised not to venture into deep sea areas of Southwest & adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, along & off Puducherry, north Tamilnadu & south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

DAMAGE EXPECTED

Extensive damage to all types of kutcha houses.
Potential threat from flying objects.
Extensive uprooting of communication and power poles.
Disruption of rail/road link at several places.
Extensive damage to standing crops, plantations, orchards.
Blowing down of Palm and coconut trees.
Uprooting of large bushy trees.
Large boats and ships may get torn from their moorings.

ACTION SUGGESTED

Total suspension of fishing operations.
Extensive evacuation from coastal areas.
Diversion or suspension of rail and road traffic.
People in affected areas to remain indoors.
Movement in motor boats and small ships not advisable.

Source: PIB

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