Intensified Cyclone Yaas likely to reach Odisha tomorrow: IMD

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department alerted the likely intensification of Cyclone Yaas into a 'Very Severe Cyclonic Storm' and its approaching Odisha-West Bengal coasts during noon of May 26. It is expected to bring in winds of 155 to 165 kmph, gusting up to 180 kmph.

"The severe cyclonic storm Yaas over east-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 9 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 9 UTC of May 24 over the east-central Bay of Bengal," IMD said in its bulletin.

"It is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. It would continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal near North Odisha and West Bengal coasts by May 26 early morning," IMD added.

The Indian Coast Guard on Monday said all the 265 boats, which were reported to be in the Bay of Bengal by fisheries authorities, have returned to harbour in view of cyclone Yaas.

"Consistent efforts of the ICG ensured all 265 boats reported at sea by fisheries authorities safely returned harbour," the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) tweeted.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requested all those in cyclone-prone areas to move to shelter homes and cooperate with the administration.

"At a time when we are fighting with the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyclone Yaas is another challenge that we have to face. Last year in May, we had faced cyclone Amphan along with COVID-19 and with help of the people, it was well managed. This time, too, we will all work in tandem to combat the calamity and the pandemic," Patnaik said

Balasore district admin along with Marine Police Force are evacuating people to cyclone shelters in Chandipur.

"Will shift people at shelters by today afternoon. Arrangements of sanitization & face masks are being done" said Narendra Khamari, BDO Balasore.