Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: The Odisha government has stepped up disaster preparedness in view of a potential cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, cancelling holidays for government employees and placing emergency response teams on standby as the weather system is expected to intensify over the next few days.
A well-marked low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday and is likely to develop into a depression, followed by a deep depression on October 25 and a possible cyclonic storm on October 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and approach the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southern Odisha coasts by the morning of October 28.
Cyclone May Intensify, Wind Speeds Likely to Rise
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system could strengthen progressively as it moves across the Bay of Bengal.
Wind speeds may reach 70–80 kmph, with gusts of up to 90 kmph, by the morning of October 26. Winds could become stronger as the system approaches the coast.
However, the IMD has not yet confirmed the exact landfall location or forecast the wind speed at the time of landfall.
Red Warning for Six Districts
The IMD has issued a red warning for six districts of Odisha—Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri—amid the possibility of intense rainfall associated with the developing system.
Rainfall is likely to begin in coastal Odisha on October 26. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for October 27, while isolated areas could experience extremely heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29.
The evolving weather conditions have prompted authorities to strengthen preparations, particularly in coastal and other vulnerable districts.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into the Sea
As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea. Authorities are closely monitoring the system as it develops and moves towards the coast.
People living in low-lying and vulnerable areas are advised to follow official weather bulletins and local administration instructions. Residents should avoid spreading unverified information and remain prepared for possible emergency measures.
Cyclone Shelters and Emergency Teams Prepared
The state government is making arrangements for relief operations and preparing cyclone shelters to accommodate people if evacuation becomes necessary.
Teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been placed on alert to respond to emergencies arising from the potential cyclone.
The cancellation of government employees’ holidays is intended to ensure the availability of personnel for preparedness, coordination and emergency response. Departments and district administrations are expected to remain vigilant as the situation evolves.
Next 48 Hours Crucial
The next few days will be critical in determining the system’s intensity, movement and potential impact on Odisha. Although the system is forecast to approach the coast around October 28, its precise track and landfall location remain uncertain.
The IMD is expected to provide further updates as fresh observations become available.
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