Cyclone alert in Odisha: heavy rain, strong winds expected from Oct 27
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been placed on high alert as a developing cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to several parts of the state from October 27, officials said on Friday.
Although the cyclone is unlikely to make landfall in Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the system will cause widespread rainfall, gusty winds and rough sea conditions along the coast.
State revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said Odisha is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. “Odisha is prone to natural calamities like cyclones, floods and heavy rainfall. Departments including health, water resources, energy and agriculture have been instructed to remain alert. Local administrations in vulnerable districts have set up relief centres, arranged evacuation plans and ensured essential supplies are ready. We urge citizens not to panic,” he said.
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24 and is expected to intensify into a depression by October 25, a deep depression by October 26 and further into a cyclonic storm by October 27 over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal. The system is likely to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, the weather agency said.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in Odisha’s coastal and southern districts between October 27 and 29, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for the entire state. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along the south Odisha coast from October 27.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed that the low-pressure system could develop into a cyclonic storm soon. “Heavy rainfall is likely over Odisha on October 27, 28 and 29. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from October 26 onwards,” she cautioned.
Meanwhile, fishing operations have been suspended in Thoothukudi and other coastal areas, with authorities urging fishermen at sea to return immediately. Residents along the Odisha and Andhra coasts have been advised to stay away from the seashore and follow official weather updates closely.
(with agency inputs)
