Aila :(

"Aila". No, this is not from Mr Tendulkar. This is from the northwest coast of Bay of Bengal. And like many others, I am waiting with bated breath. This could be tragedy for many. Refer to the article below. You would know what I mean!

Reference: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/cwind.htm
BOB 02/2009/12
Dated: 25. 05. 2009 Time of issue: 1030 hours IST

“Red Message”

Sub: Cyclone warning for West Bengal and north Orissa coasts.

The cyclonic storm “AILA” over northwest & adjoining central Bay of Bengal intensified further, moved northwards and lay centred at 0830 hours IST of today, the 25th May 2009 over northwest Bay of Bengal near lat. 20.50 N and long. 88.00 E, about 140 km east-southeast of Chandbali, 130 km south of Sagar Island and 280 km southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh). The system is likely to intensify further and move in a near northerly direction and cross West Bengal coast near long. 88.00 E (near Sagar Island) today, the 25th May 2009 afternoon/evening. Based on latest analysis with Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and other conventional techniques, estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below: Date/Time(IST) Position (lat. 0N/long. 0E) Sustained maximum surface wind speed (kmph)25.05.2009/0830 20.5/88.0 80-90 gusting to 10025.05.2009/1130 21.0/88.0 90-100 gusting to 11025.05.2009/1730 22.0/88.0 (over land) 90-100 gusting to 11025.05.2009/2330 23.0/88.0 (over land) 60 gusting to 7026.05.2009/0530 23.5/88.5 (over land) 40 gusting to 50
Under its influence, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 25 cm) is likely over West Bengal and Sikkim during next 48 hours and over north Orissa during next 24 hours. Gale wind speed reaching 80-90 kmph gusting 100 kmph likely along and off West Bengal and north Orissa coasts which may increase from today, the 25th May 2009, noon to 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph along and off these coasts during next 18 hours. Sea condition will be very high along and off West Bengal and north Orissa coasts during the same period. Storm surge of about 2-3 meters above astronomical tide is likely to inundate the coastal areas of south 24-Pargana and Midnapur districts of West Bengal at the time of landfall.

Damage expected: Extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routs over coastal districts of West Bengal and north Orissa.

Advice and Action suggested: Total suspension of fishing operations. Coastal hutments dwellers to moved to safer place. People in affected areas to remain indoors