ReliefWeb

SITUATION

The very powerful Tropical Cyclone PHAILIN is approaching the Indian coast. At 06:00 UTC on 11 Oct it was located ca. 500km SE of the Odisha coast and had a max. sust. wind speed of 249 km/h (“Very Severe Cyclonic Storm” in India, equivalent to a Category 4 in the Saffir-Simpson scale).

• In the next 24h it is forecast to keep moving NW, strengthening even further, possibly to a Category 5 equivalent. According to the 06:00 UTC data of 11 Oct. and to the Indian Meteo, landfall is expected in the afternoon of 12 October (UTC) near Gopalpur at the Odisha coast – see map. (GDACS)

WARNINGS & POSSIBLE EFFECTS

• A Cyclone Warning is always in effect for north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast. Heavy rainfall of more than 250mm (locally) and very strong winds could affect these vulnerable and densely populated areas starting early on 12 Oct.

• A possible storm surge of the order of 3m according to the models of Indian Meteo could inundate low-lying areas in Ganjam, Khorda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Srikakulam districts.

• Always according to Indian Meteo, extensive damage is expected to mud/hay houses and old buildings, large-scale disruption of power, communications and traffic, flooding of escape routes and extensive damage to crops.

• Coastal evacuations have been advised and shelters are being setup. (Media)