Cyclone ‘Bulbul’ to intensify, head to West Bengal coast

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal which originated near the Andaman region has developed into cyclone ‘Bulbul’ and is centred over East Central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and head to the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

Puviarasan, Director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre said, “As the cyclone is moving towards the Bengal coast, fishermen are advised not to venture towards the Central Bay of Bengal region. Few interior districts of Tamil Nadu will receive rainfall due to convective activity between November 8 and 10 while Chennai weather will remain dry”.

Light-to-moderate rainfall has been predicted for Andaman and Nicobar islands and the northern Odisha coast as well as for the coastal districts of West Bengal. 

Gale wind warnings for gusts ranging from 35kmph to 90kmph have been issued for the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal. Fishermen have been asked to suspend operations from November 8 at the coasts of Odisha-West Bengal. Those fishing far out in the sea have been advised to return to the coast. 

Maha cyclone, which is currently a deep depression adjoining the northeast Arabian Sea around 100 kilometres south-southwest of the Veraval in Gujarat, is likely to move east-northeastwards and weaken into depression. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian sea adjoining South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast.