Heavy rain to lash Bengal as cyclonic storm Roanu nears

“The cyclonic storm ROANU would move north east wards along and off West Bengal coast and cross Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Cox’s Bazar on 21st (May) night/22nd (May) early morning May,” the Met department said in a cyclone warning for West Bengal. GC Debnath, director of MeT office said fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Officials said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in most places over coastal Gangetic West Bengal in the next 48 hours.

A high level meeting was held in Nabanna  this afternoon to take a stock of the situation. Beside Debnath, the state chief  chief and home secretary attended the meeting.  The cyclone might affect North and South 24-Parganas and two Midnapore districts. The district magistrates of these districts have been alerted. The disaster management teams have been kept ready. Mamata Banerjee also called up the chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee and instructed him to take all necessary measures. 

Squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph is likely to prevail along and off West Bengal coast. 

Under the influence of the cyclone there was moderate to heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal and tourists visiting Digha and Mandarmoni have been asked not to go to the sea. 

Officials from district administration requested them to remain indoor through the public address system. In Andhra Pradesh and Odisha fishermen have been asked not to go to the sea.