Worst of Phailin is over, says IMD

It is said Phailin has moved ahead from Odisha coast, currently 50 km south of Sambalpur

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The worst of cyclone Phailin is over, the Met Department said today here in a media briefing. It said that the worst in terms of wind speed is over as it will likely remain around 100 kilometer per hour which will further decline by noon.

It said that Phailin has moved ahead from the Odisha coast and is currently 50 km south of Sambalpur

However, it has issued an advisory to Bihar government as it will witness "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in the next 48 hours, said Indian Meteorological Department. Andhra Pradesh has been declared as out of danger and Odisha will witness heavy rains and winds for the next 24 hours.

"Phailin will remain as severe cyclonic storm till noon", said L.S. Rathore, director-general of the India Meteorological Department.

The heavy rains in Bihar could flood some areas in the state as advancing Phailin may lead to heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kosi and Gandak rivers.

IMD acknowedged the role of social media in averting the major impact of disaster.

"Social media role is equally important. It has been playing a key role and is of confidence building nature", Rathore said. He added that technology has helped in modernizing the system and better define the initial conditions. "If you define that well, you embark upon better forecast", Rathore added.

He added that the focus of the IMD is now on Jharkhand and Bihar.