Chennai, Mar 17 (FN Representative) The Low Pressure area over Central parts of South Bay of Bengal moved east-northeastwards and lay centred today over Southeast Bay of Bengal and East equatorial Indian ocean and intensify gradually into a Cyclonic storm at Andaman Islands on March 21, even as the Union Home Ministry reviewed the preparedness of various agencies. A met office bullet in said it is likely to continue to move east-northeastwards, become a well marked Low Pressure area and lie over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea by March 19. Thereafter, it is likely to move north-northwestwards along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands, intensify into a Depression on March 20 and into a Cyclonic Storm on March 21. Thereafter, it is likely to move nearly northwards and reach near Bangladesh-North Myanmar Coasts on March 22. Meanwhile, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the preparedness of Central Ministries/Agencies and administration of Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory in view of the impending cyclone in Bay of Bengal.
The Union Home Secretary directed the Central Ministries and Agencies to keep regular watch and be in touch with Andaman and Nicobar administration to handle any situation. The meeting has come close on the heels of India Meterological Department’s alert that the low pressure area in South East Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into cyclonic storm by March 21 with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph. While one team of National Disaster Response Force is already in Port Blair, additional teams are ready to be airlifted if required, an official release here said. The Andaman & Nicobar administration is ready with sufficient stocks of emergency supplies. It has also taken measures to protect population and for restoration of infrastructure. Fishing, tourism and shipping activities have been stopped and fishermen are advised to return from sea. Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard teams are on stand by. Also, Central Ministries are ready with any assistance if required.