Heavy rain likely in coastal West Bengal

Owing to a depression over the Bay of Bengal that caused heavy rain in parts of coastal Orissa, isolated areas in two coastal districts of West Bengal are also likely to witness heavy rainfall.

According to the Alipore Meteorological Office here, the depression that lay centred 60 km south-east of Puri and 120 km north-east of Gopalpur along the Orissa coast could likely intensify into a deep depression.

“While isolated areas in the two coastal districts are likely to witness heavy rainfall, the sky will remain cloudy in the city with likelihood of brief spells of heavy thundershower. There is, however, no sign of the depression moving towards the West Bengal coast,” a senior meteorological official said.

Scattered rain was also forecast in the sub-Himalayan areas of the State.

The forecast came as a spirit-dampener for Durga Puja revellers in the city. Thousands of visitors thronged the puja pandals in the daytime anticipating heavy showers in the evening.

As the sea condition was likely to be rough with wind-speed reaching 45 to 55 km/hour, fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.

“All the coastal police thanas have been put on alert and the administration has been asked to be prepared to deal with any situation. Fishermen have also been alerted,” said Dr. Archana, District Magistrate of Purba Medinipur district.