NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that the cyclonic storm Yaas is going to intensity into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ in the next 12 hours. Here is a look at the top developments. The severe cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 9 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 9 UTC of May 24 over east-central Bay of Bengal, IMD said. The cyclone is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. It would continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach northwest Bay of Bengal near North Odisha and West Bengal coasts by May 26 early morning, according to the weather agency. The cyclone is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar Island around Balasore, during noon of May 26 as a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’. The maximum sustained wind speed is 55 knots gusting to 65 knots around system centre. Sea condition is rough to very rough. The Odisha Government on Monday assigned the high-risk districts to senior officers to supervise relief, rehabilitation and restoration work in the wake of the severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ which is expected to hit the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal on May 26. Calcutta high court on Monday informed that it has canceled the hearing of all matters listed for May 26 and 27, in view of the warning issued by IMD for the cyclonic storm. Cyclone ‘Yaas’ is likely to affect three northeastern states – Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim – causing moderate to heavy rains on May 26-27, IMD officials said on Monday. The ministry of Petroleum Natural Gas (PNG) made a full assessment of various oil and gas installations, ships, docks etc in the area, and learning from recent experience, has taken all precautionary steps to ensure minimal damage. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has urged the people living in the coastal regions of Odisha to cooperate with the local administration and shift to cyclone shelters. The CM also asked them to adhere to Covid-19 protocols and wear two masks. Earlier on Monday, Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations with the chief ministers of Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh along with the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Island. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the preparedness of states and central ministries and agencies that will deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. (With inputs from agecies)