Andaman Islands is bracing for Cyclone Pabuk, a storm that is expected to hit the region between January 5 and 7. In a bulletin on Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather summary.
“The cyclonic storm 'PABUK' lay centered over south China Sea & adjoining Gulf of Thailand in early morning of today, the 04th January 2019. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and emerge into Andaman Sea around the forenoon of 5th January 2019. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andaman Islands around evening/night of 6th January. Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve north-eastwards towards Myanmar coast and weaken further during 7th- 8th January,” the IMD said.
According to NDTV, the cyclone is also expected to affect seven districts in Odisha, which have been put on alert.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Kolkata has warned of heavy rains in Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to approaching tropical cyclone 'Pabuk' which will emerge in the Andaman Sea on January 5, an official said on Thursday.
"Heavy rains are predicted in the Andaman Islands from January 5-7. The tropical cyclonic storm 'Pabuk' is currently located above South China Sea, almost 1,500 km from Port Blair," said scientist A.K. Sen.
The weatherman mentioned that it is gradually approaching and is likely to emerge in the Andaman Sea around the forenoon of January 5. Heavy rain is predicted for the next day as the storm will pass across the islands.
"It will then recurve towards north-east and move to Myanmar coast," he said.
Squally winds with speeds ranging between 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph with a gradual increase up to 75 kmph, are likely over the Andaman Sea from January 4.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea from January 4-7 and into adjoining southeast and the east-central Bay of Bengal from January 6-7.
Fishermen and others in the deep sea are also advised to return to the coast by tonight.
Around 7,000 persons have been evacuated from the Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat where Storm Pabuk is due to arrive on Friday, authorities said.
Efforts are being made to evacuate 80,000 people in the province, Efe news quoted Secretary of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Udomporn Kan as saying.
According to the latest announcement of the Thailand Meteorology Department, Pabuk is expected to make landfall late on Friday afternoon with sustained winds of 75 kmph and gusts of up to 95 kmph.
The storm will affect much of Thailand's southern coast with heavy rainfall and there is a threat of flash floods and landslides.
(With IANS inputs)