Cyclonic storm 'Daye' is likely to cause damage to the road, rail and communication channels in various districts of Odisha, India Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar said on Friday.


The IMD has predicted damage to the thatched hut, roads, crops and minor damage to power and communication lines in Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri districts. It has also advised the fishermen not to venture into waters of northwest Bay of Bengal and Odisha coast for next 24 hours.


The IMD stated that storm surge of about 0.5 meter above astronomical tides is expected to inundate the low lying area of districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Puri of Odisha in next three hours.


According to the IMD, after crossing the Odisha coast and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coast, the cyclonic storm will move towards west-north-west direction and will gradually weaken into a deep depression in next six hours.


The cyclonic storm has caused heavy rains along with the high-speed wind in various parts of the region since Saturday night.


Taking stock of the situation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the preparedness and directed concerned departments to take required action. Leave of government officials in five districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri has also been cancelled.


Bishnupada Sethi, Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha, told ANI that people from low-lying areas were evacuated last night and kept at shelters. "No person has been injured or dead. Malkangiri has received very heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours and two villages and colonies have been affected. Reports of a  landslide in Chitrakonda area, as well.


He said the situation is normal across Odisha, except for Malkangiri. The CM has sanctioned a gratuitous relief of Rs 60 a day per person and Rs 45/per day for children below 12 for seven days.



Image: A man wades through floodwaters in Poteru village of Malkangiri district. Pic: ANI