Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 15: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Akvan by the evening of November 16.
The system, currently a well-marked low-pressure area over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal, is expected to strengthen into a deep depression before developing into a cyclonic storm. It is likely to move in a north-northwesterly direction towards the central Bay of Bengal. Iran has contributed the name Akvan.
According to the IMD bulletin issued on Saturday, the developing system is expected to bring strong winds and rough sea conditions over parts of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The weather department said wind speeds in these areas could reach 60 kmph initially. From November 17, wind speeds are likely to increase to around 80 kmph and may remain at similar levels for the next two days.
In view of the expected rough sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to return to the coast by November 15 and avoid venturing into the sea until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma said the administration was prepared to handle any emergency arising from the developing weather system.
He said the disaster management force in the islands was fully prepared, while the Navy, Air Force and Army were also on high alert. He added that necessary safety arrangements would be put in place immediately if the situation demanded, and urged people not to panic.
The developing system comes after two other weather systems, Cyclones Arnab and Murasu, affected the Bay of Bengal region in recent weeks.
Cyclone Arnab made landfall near Narasapur on October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 125 to 135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. At least six people were reported dead.
Cyclone Murasu crossed the southern Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole on November 3 as a severe cyclonic storm, bringing winds of 100 to 110 kmph and gusts of up to 120 kmph. Its impact was also felt in coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana, where very heavy rainfall was reported on November 5.
The IMD is continuing to monitor the movement and intensification of the latest system, with strong winds and rough seas expected to remain a concern over the coming days.