A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has given rise to a cyclone dubbed Roanu. The India Meteorological Department has issued a cyclone warning for both Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Heavy rain lashed both states, and surface winds are expected to hit speeds of 100 km per hour in Odisha, where 12 districts are on alert.

The chief ministers of both states have directed authorities to be prepared to face the storm. While Odisha’s Navin Patnaik has directed collectors and district administrations to keep food and drinking water supplies, as well as medical support, ready, Andhra’s Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to open relief camps and evacuate people from vulnerable areas, PTI reported.

At least 10 units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force are on the ready to be deployed if required. Naidu has asked for the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response and fire-fighting personnel to focus on rescue and relief operations wherever necessary. Fishermen have been asked to not venture out into the sea.

The cyclonic system of Roanu remained stationary over the Bay of Bengal, about 440 k southwest of Odisha’s Gopalpur district. It is expected to move north-eastwards along and cross over the coast of South Bangladesh between the night of May 21 and early May 22 after weakening, The New Indian Express reported. No government official will be given holidays on May 21 and 22 in Odisha.