Bhubaneswar: As cyclone Asani nears its crest, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The IMD has said that cyclone Asani will not make landfall but due to its influence heavy rains will lash many districts of North Coastal Andhara Pradesh in the next 48 hours. Currently, the cyclone is about 300 km southeast of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh with a wind speed of 105 km per hour and it is likely to gradually weaken later today. Asani is expected to come closer to north Andhra Pradesh coast and then re-curve and move parallely to over north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast. after which it was likely to gradually lose steam, the weather office said.
Meanwhile, authorities in Odisha are on high alert to face the cyclone and the Government of Odisha has kept ready NDRF, ODRAF and fire services personnel at various districts likely to receive heavy rains. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 12 and the State Relief Commissioner has said that action will be taken if anyone is found violating the orders.
In view of Cyclone Asani, the Ganjam District Administration has closed all sea beaches including the Gopalpur Sea Beach for the next 48 hours for public. In Andhra Pradesh, all flights have been cancelled at Vizag airport keeping in view the cyclone.