Dhaka: Cyclone Laila over the Bay of Bengal is likely to lash at Andhra Pradesh coast by Thursday afternoon, as the prognosis prompted Indian authorities to brace themselves with massive preparation for combating the oncoming calamity.

Available reports say the government of India put volunteers and officials on the standby for the probable task of evacuation and rescue operations in the aftermath of the cyclonic storm.

According to Indian media report, 10 people have been killed in Andhra and Tamilnadu states due to the disaster created by heavy rainfall and strong wind.

On the other hand, a met report released from Dhaka meteorological office said, “The cyclone Laila is very less likely to hit any part of Bangladesh.”      

An official of Delhi Metrological Department said, “Cyclone Laila will hit in-between Kavali and Kakinada districts of Andhra Pradesh coastal region.”

The Met department warned of six-foot-high tidal waves and disruption of communications and power supplies over the coastal areas of the southern states of India, as a consequence of the disaster.

Shafiqul Islam, a met expert at Bangladesh Department of Meteorology, told banglanews24.com.bd on Thursday morning, “Cyclone Laila which was lying over the west-central and adjoining southwest part of the Bay of Bengal has moved northwards. However, Laila definitely is not coming towards Bangladesh coast.”

The authorities in Andhra and Tamilnadu are now working hard on organizing and preparation for evacuation and rescue operations. It is anticipated that more than 11 lakh people would be affected if the cyclone hit the state's coastal regions.

High alert has been sounded in Andhra and Tamilnadu with Army unites on standby to help in the relief and rescue operations. Besides, the states have been experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, and 10 people have been reported killed, say Indian media reports.

Bangladeshi met expert Shafiqul Islam said at 0600 hrs BDST on Thursday cyclone Laila was centered about 1435 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 1390 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port and 1250 kms southwest of Mongla port.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the storm center was about 89 kph, rising to 117 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea near Bangladesh coast will remain “high”.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two.

Shafiqul informed, “Laila was centred on Thursday morning at 0600 BDST about 120 km northeast of Nellore, 100 km southeast of Ongole and 120 km south of Machilipatnam of Indian coast.”

The Met expert added: Under the influence of severe cyclonic storm Laila, deep convection is taking place over north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Squally weather is likely over North Bay and the coastal areas of Bangladesh. “North Bay will remain rough till the calamity passes away over the Indian coast.”

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and Deep Sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.

BDST: 1105, May 20, 2010
AKR/AK/MUA