Kolkata, May 20, Landfall process of Super Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’ (pronounced as UM-PUN) over Northwest Bay of Bengal will commence from today late afternoon (1600 hours IST of today onwards).
After landfall the system is likely to move north-northeastwards close to Kolkata.
Gale wind speed reaching 160-170 gusting to 190 kmph is prevailing over northwest Bay of Bengal.
It will gradually decrease becoming 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph over North Bay of Bengal during the evening hours of today, the 20th May.
Gale wind speed reaching 155 to 165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph is very likely along & off east Medinipur and north & south 24 Parganas districts and 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph over Kolkata, Hoogli, Howrah and West Medinipur Districts of West Bengal during the time of landfall (20th afternoon to night).
Sea condition is Phenomenal and is very likely to continue for next 06 hours over Westcentral Bay of Bengal and for next 12 hours over Northwest Bay of Bengal.
The fishermen are advised not to venture into North Bay of Bengal and adjoining central Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours.
Also, fishermen are advised not to venture into North Bay of Bengal along and off North Odisha, West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts during next 24 hours.
Storm Surge of about 4-5 meters above Astronomical Tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of south & north 24 Parganas and about 3-4 meters over the low lying areas of East Medinipur District of West Bengal during the time of Landfall.
It moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 29 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centred at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 20th May, 2020 as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm over Northwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 20.6°N and longitude 88.0°E, about 140 km east-northheast of Paradip (Odisha), 125 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal), 125 km nearly south of Sagar Islands and 125 km southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
It is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sundarbans during late Afternoon to Evening hours of today, the 20th May 2020 with maximum sustained wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph.
Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places & extremely heavy falls at isolated places likely over Gangetic West Bengal (east & west Medinipur, south & north 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogli, Kolkata and adjoining districts) on 20th May and isolated heavy rain over interior districts on 21st May, 2020.
Gale wind speed reaching 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph is prevailing along and off West Bengal coast (east & west Medinipur, south & north 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogli, Kolkata Districts).
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday appealed to the people to follow directives of the Union and State Governments to ensure zero human loss.
Taking to his Twitter handle, Mr Dhankhar said, “Both Covid-19 and #AmphanSuperCyclone are a formidable challenge. ”
“Appeal to people to follow directives @MamataOfficial @PMOIndia so that we have zero human loss,” the Governor stated.
“Authorities are in exemplary service mode thanks to timely and accurate weather reports,” he tweeted.
Yesterday, Mr Dhankhar appealed to all to fully abide by government directives to contain ill effect of super cyclonic storm Amphan.
Taking to his Twitter handle, Mr Dhankhar said, “Appeal all to fully abide by government directives to contain ill effect of SUPER CYCLONIC STORM #AMPHAN.”
“East Medinipur, South,North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata to be worst affected,” he tweeted.
“Likely land fall on May 20 around noon. State/Central Government are in overdrive,” he stated.
Mr Dhankhar appreciated efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee to contain impact of severe cyclonic storm
that makes landfall on May 20.
Taking to his tweeter handle, Mr Dhankhar said, “Appreciate efforts @PMOIndia@MamataOfficial to contain impact #Amphan that makes landfall on May 20 East Medinipur, South,North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata likely to be worst affected by cyclone.”
“NDRF and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are in a state of preparedness,” he said.
In another tweet, the governor said, “ICG ships and aircraft on patrol are directing fishing boats operating at sea to return to the harbour for safety.”
“Proud of our scientific achievements #IMD for such accurate forecast that helps efforts in synergy. Let’s keep political virus away in these trying times,” he added.
While Indian Railways and aviation sector suspended all operation for the day, Kolkata Port Trust also suspended its work since Tuesday for precautionary measures.
As rain and frequent storms lashed this metropolis and neighbouring districts since last evening, the streets looked deserted with people preferred to remain indoor.
As lock-down across the city looked relaxed much on Tuesday with rush of people could be seen
across the city, the picture was reverted today with people was forced to stay home due to rains and storms.
There have no report of any casualty so far, although waves of the Bay of Bengal crossed over the guard walls and spilled over the roads at Digha.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday spoke to chief minister Mamata Banerjee and assured her all necessary assistance to the state to face the nature fury.
Ms Banerjee in an appealed to the people asked the to remain indoor until the authorities announced further.
Ms Banerjee also requested the Indian Railways not to ferry the migrant workers until weather cleared.
She said all concerned departments have been alerted and disaster management team has already arrived in several areas.
She said at least two lakh people have been evacuated from South 24 Parganas, 50,000 people from North 24 Parganas, 40,000 people from East Midnapore and 10,000 from West Midnapore.
She said both 24 Parganas would suffer widespread devastation, while parts of Midnapore would also bear brunt.
Stating that Amphan could be more devastating than even Aila, she said none should venture into sea.
She informed that task force has already started working under the guidance of the Chief Secretary.
