A VERY SEVERE cyclone that equals the super cyclone, which caused disaster in Orissa eight years ago, is on its way to hit Bangladesh-West Bengal coastline. It is expected to hit Sagar Island.

 
A forecast issued by the meteorology department said that The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “SIDR” over East Central Bay and adjoining West Central Bay of Bengal has moved slightly northwards and is about 700 Kms South of Kolkata.
 
The cyclone is likely to intensify further and move in a northerly direction and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast near Sagar Island by morning of Friday, November 16, 2007.
 
Under the influence of cyclone widespread rain or thundershower are expected at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places are likely to commence over the coastal districts of Gangetic West Bengal by today.
 
Meanwhile, top government officials in West Bengal have said that the government is geared to face the situation and district administrations have been alerted in areas, which are expected to be hit by the cyclone.
 
In Orissa, collectors in the coastal districts have asked to remain alert by the state government. A cyclone monitor center has been set up at the state secretariat and relief teams have also been constituted.

Bangladesh government has also pressed high alert in the country and airport and seaport at Chittgong has been closed, according to latest reports. Thousands of people have also been moved to safer areas to prevent any loss of life during the cyclone.
 
Meteorology department on its part has said that that squally wind speed reaching 50 to 60Km per hour likely to commence along and off West Bengal coast by today.
As the forenoon sea will be rough to very rough it has asked fishermen not to venture into the sea.