By  Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : Cyclone Fani, currently over the North East East is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.Rain and thundershower activities are expected to continue with good intensity for coming one week across entire north-eastern region.The massive cyclone “Fani” (pronounced “FONI”) has been expected to become stronger and develop into an extremely severe cyclonic storm and move north-westwards till May 1 as stated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm is currently centered over southeast Bay of Bengal and neighborhood and has moved northwards with a speed of about 4 kmph in last 6 hours. It is very likely to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm in the next 6 hours and very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours.

It could generate gusts of winds with speeds of up to 50-60 km per hour in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A warning has been provided along with coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to brace for very strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. As per the IMD reports, the cyclone will move to east-west trough at 0.9 km above mean sea level from east Bihar to Manipur and become less marked. Whereas, a cyclonic circulation at 0.9 km above the mean sea level lies over south Assam and nearby areas. Speaking to Inside Northeast, Atul Kumar Singh, Scientist, Regional Meteorological Centre Guwahati said that as of now the impact of the cyclone has not reached the region. He also mentioned that effect may come but not immediately.

A report by skymetweather.com further stated that by May 5 and 6, the remnants of cyclone Fani will reach the Northeast and during that time, the intensity of rainfall activities will increase significantly. Heavy to very heavy spells of rain accompanied with violent lightning strikes and hailstorm in parts will lash the region, the report further added. Weather experts further warned that such widespread heavy rains will lead to a lot of disruption in terms of flash floods, landslides, road blockades etc over many parts of the north-eastern states. Notably, moderate, heavy to very heavy rains have been lashing the region causing extensive damage to dwelling houses, school building and crops. Cloudburst was also reported in Bomdila town in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh which was accompanied by a hailstorm, heavy lightning and thunderstorm activities.