Sitang will turn into a severe cyclonic storm, IMD issued advisory key points

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the Bangladesh coast between Tinakona Island and Sandwich in the early hours of Tuesday.

Sitarang is the first post-monsoon cyclone in the North Indian Ocean.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory after it intensified into a deep-pressure cyclone over the Bay of Bengal on Sunday evening. A cyclone named 'Sitang' by Thailand is expected to make landfall between Tinkana Island and Sandwich off Bangladesh coast early Tuesday.

(1.) Sitarang was about 520 km south of Sagar Island in the Bay of Bengal and 670 km south-southwest of Barisal in Bangladesh, the IMD said in a tweet at 3:17 pm on Monday. The tweet also said that while moving north-northeastwards, it will further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours.

Cyclonic Storm "SITRAG" near Latitude 17.00N and Long 88.30E, about 520 km south of Sagar Island and 670 km south-southwest of Barisal (Bangladesh). To move north-northeastwards and further intensify into an SCS in the next 12 hours. To cross the Bangladesh coast between Tinakona Island and Sandwich

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept)  October 23, 2022

(2.) Once it turns severe, the wind speed of Sitang will reach 110 kmph gusting to 90-100 kmph, said the IMD advisory, due to the cyclone, West Bengal Heavy to very heavy rains may occur over the coastal districts of Odisha, while isolated heavy rains may occur over North Coastal Odisha.

(3.) Meanwhile, offshore activities in the northern Bay of Bengal have been suspended, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till October 25.

(4.) Three districts of West Bengal - North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Midnapore - are likely to be affected the most, the Met department release said. It warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas and damage to roads and thatched huts.

(5.) The state capital Kolkata is also ready for Sitarang. “Necessary precautions have been worked out. Teams will be deployed in the control room and every borough office for 24 hours,” said Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor-in-Council Debashish Kumar.