Extremely severe cyclonic storm “FANI” to strike Odisha coast during 3rd May afternoon. Cyclone alert, yellow message for Odisha, West Bengal and Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram & Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh coasts had been issued. 

‘FANI’ is prevailing over west central   and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, moving north westwards with a speed of about 14 kmph in last six hours and had laid centre at 08:30 hrs IST of 01st May, 2019. Over the west central Bay of Bengal near latitude 14.1°N and longitude 83.9°E, about 660 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha).

In Andhra Pradesh, 400 km southeast of Vishakhapatnam it is very likely to move north westwards during next 12 hours and thereafter recurve north-north eastwards and cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, around Puri during 3rd May afternoon with maximum sustained wind of speed 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph.

There are warnings of heavy rainfall too. Various preventive measures have been taken to combat the natural calamity. Along with restricting fishing activities, coastal areas are being evacuated. 

As preventive measures Naval ships and aircraft are at standby for rescue and relief. Ships at Visakhapatnam are standing with relief material for immediate deployment to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR) operation. 

Diving and medical teams are also kept ready augmenting rescue and relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Odissa.  Naval aircraft have been kept ready at Naval Air Stations, INS Dega and INS Rajali to undertake aerial survey of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material as and when required by the State administration.