NEW DELHI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The cyclonic storm Bulbul, over west-central and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards Friday, intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm, India's Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
"Severe cyclonic storm bulbul intensified into very severe cyclonic storm today at 5:30 a.m. (local time)," a statement issued by IMD said. "It will cross West Bengal and Bangladesh coast across Sundarbans Delta during early hours of Sunday with wind speed of 100-110 kmph."
Authorities warned the very severe cyclonic storm was likely to trigger heavy rain in parts of eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal.
The IMD has advised people in affected areas to remain indoors and urged fishermen to suspend their fishing activities.
Officials said the two states have geared up to contain damage from the storm.
In Odisha, the local government has deployed disaster response force personnel as a precautionary measure in affected areas and directed administration in nine districts to keep cyclone shelters ready with all required arrangements. The authorities have also ordered closure of schools and childcare centers for two days in Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts.
Likewise, authorities in West Bengal said they have taken all necessary measures to deal with the cyclonic storm. Coastal districts of North and South 24 Paraganas and East and West Midnapur districts were alerted to deal with any eventualities, officials said.
The local government has ordered special vigil on the embankments along Sundarbans and set up special control rooms to monitor the situation.
The visiting tourists in Digha, Mandermoni have been advised not to go into the sea for bathing or water sports, officials said.
