Bhubaneswar, Nov 8 (IANS): The Odisha government has put the coastal districts on alert as the wind speed and rainfall will gradually increase under the impact of severe cyclonic storm Bulbul, said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena on Friday.

The government has also deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire service personnel in nine districts as a precautionary measure.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Cyclone Bulbul is likely to trigger heavy rains and strong winds from Friday afternoon.

The SRC said the district collectors of nine districts have been asked to remain alert and keep cyclone shelters ready with all required arrangements.

"The collectors have also been authorised for evacuation of people in low laying areas, if required. The people will be provided food at the shelter as per the relief code," said Jena.

The IMD said strong wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph and gusting to 55 kmph likely to prevail along and off Odisha coast.

It is very likely to increase becoming squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph by afternoon of November 8 along and off Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore and Bhadrak districts.

Gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is very likely to occur from around November 9 noon along and off Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak districts for subsequent 12 hours and decrease thereafter, the IMD said.