Yesterday's depression has become a deep depression that could turn into a very severe cyclonic storm in the next few hours. The storm has been named "Phailin" (sapphire) and it currently lies in open Bay (latitude 13°N and longitude 93.5°E) where it could strengthen itself into a mighty storm due to the combination of very warm ocean waters and relatively low wind shear that will aid in both development and strengthening of this tropical cyclone
‘Phailin’ will have a speed of 150 to 200kmph when it will hit the coast between Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Paradip Odisha on the 12th evening. Heavy to very heavy rain between 100 to 200mm, accompanied by gusty winds along the Odisha coast on the 12th could throw life out of gear in coastal and inland areas.
Anticipating large scale destructions along the Odisha coast, the state government has already issued an alert and asked for choppers from the Ministry of Home Affairs for rescue operations. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out in the Sea as sea conditions remain rough to very rough.