BHUBANESWAR/KOLKATA: Despite the IMD forecast that cyclone Asani is likely to spare Odisha coast, the state government is planning to evacuate people from low-lying areas as a precautionary measure. The government has asked collectors of Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsingpur and Kendrapada to evacuate people to cyclone shelters by Tuesday when these districts will begin to witness Asani-induced rainfall.
Asani, which is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday night, is likely to pass over the sea 150km-200km away from Odisha coast. Under its influence coastal districts of the state are likely to get moderate rainfall, with wind speed reaching 40-50kmph on May 10, 11 and 12, the IMD forecast said.
Like Odisha, Asani is likely to spare Bengal as well. The coastal districts of East Midnapore, South and North 24 Parganas are predicted to receive rain till Thursday. Kolkata is unlikely to be impacted.
