Jagatsinghpur/Bhubaneswar: Vikas Chandra Sahu doesn't put his radio down for even a minute. Ever since he heard about the cyclone approaching the Orissa coast, this farmer in Ersama village has had his ears glued to the radio.
Sahu lost twelve family members in the devastating supercyclone that hit coastal Orissa eight years ago. And he knows that information could be the difference between life and death.
"After coming to know that yet another devastating cyclone is approaching we are feeling very afraid. We do not know how to save our lives,” says Vikas.
Weather departments from both states have warned that the storm, which is likely to be only a little weaker than a supercyclone, will lash the coast at speeds of up to 200 kilometre an hour.
Ports and fishermen have been warned, and people from low-lying areas near the coast have been evacuated.
"Under its impact the tide will be six metre high and wind speed will be upto 120 km per hour. There will be very heavy rainfall,” says Director, Meterological dept, Orissa, S C Sahu.
The Orissa government has built more than 180 cyclone shelters along the coast, and these could turn out to be lifesavers if the storm worsens. But the Orissa government says it's ready for the worst.
"We have taken all possible steps. I request the people not to panic but remained prepared and careful,” says Chief Minister, Orissa, Naveen Patnaik.
The Orissa government seems to be better prepared this time and seems to have taken quite a few lessons after the devastating super cyclone of 19999.
But a lot depends on the magnitude of the cyclone and till then everyone is keeping his or her fingers crossed.
(With inputs from Sudhaker Jena)
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