<p>Disaster response and fire services teams were kept on standby in Odisha on Friday as the low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal could intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours, officials said.</p>.<p>Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said 17 teams of NDRF, 20 teams of ODRAF and 175 fire services teams have been put on high alert.</p>.<p>Director-General of Fire Services SK Upadhaya said all leaves of fire services personnel have been cancelled.</p>.<p>Under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the South Andaman Sea and its neighbourhood, a low-pressure area has been formed. It is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours, the weather office said.</p>.<p>Favourable conditions exist in the sea for the creation of a cyclonic storm, it said.</p>.<p>"The low-pressure area will move northwest and intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours. However, some time is required for analysing the data before providing details on the possible path of the system," it added.</p>.<p>India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director-General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said no forecast has yet been issued for a possible cyclone.</p>.<p>However, fishermen have been warned as the sea conditions will be rough with gusting winds reaching a speed of 75 kmph.</p>.<p>The state witnessed summer cyclones last three summers -- Yaas in 2021, Amphan in 2020 and Fani in 2019.</p>.<p>SRC Jena said the state was prepared to face any eventuality. Collectors of 18 districts have been put on alert and asked to take all measures required.</p>.<p>There is nothing to panic about as the state government is well-prepared to face any cyclone, he said.</p>.<p>The rains and thunderstorms lashing the state over the last two days are due to nor'westers, the weather office said.</p>.<p>The state government also warned traders against hoarding groceries and vegetables, taking advantage of the weather conditions.</p>.<p>The government also held preliminary discussions with power, health, drinking water, irrigation, works and other departments to prepare for the possible calamity.</p>
<p>Disaster response and fire services teams were kept on standby in Odisha on Friday as the low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal could intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours, officials said.</p>.<p>Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said 17 teams of NDRF, 20 teams of ODRAF and 175 fire services teams have been put on high alert.</p>.<p>Director-General of Fire Services SK Upadhaya said all leaves of fire services personnel have been cancelled.</p>.<p>Under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the South Andaman Sea and its neighbourhood, a low-pressure area has been formed. It is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours, the weather office said.</p>.<p>Favourable conditions exist in the sea for the creation of a cyclonic storm, it said.</p>.<p>"The low-pressure area will move northwest and intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours. However, some time is required for analysing the data before providing details on the possible path of the system," it added.</p>.<p>India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director-General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said no forecast has yet been issued for a possible cyclone.</p>.<p>However, fishermen have been warned as the sea conditions will be rough with gusting winds reaching a speed of 75 kmph.</p>.<p>The state witnessed summer cyclones last three summers -- Yaas in 2021, Amphan in 2020 and Fani in 2019.</p>.<p>SRC Jena said the state was prepared to face any eventuality. Collectors of 18 districts have been put on alert and asked to take all measures required.</p>.<p>There is nothing to panic about as the state government is well-prepared to face any cyclone, he said.</p>.<p>The rains and thunderstorms lashing the state over the last two days are due to nor'westers, the weather office said.</p>.<p>The state government also warned traders against hoarding groceries and vegetables, taking advantage of the weather conditions.</p>.<p>The government also held preliminary discussions with power, health, drinking water, irrigation, works and other departments to prepare for the possible calamity.</p>