Odisha is ramping up its cyclone preparedness in anticipation of a possible landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. In light of this, schools will be closed in five districts, and rescue teams along with shelters are being organized, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The Odisha government has taken significant steps to address the potential cyclone threat by deploying rescue teams and setting up evacuation shelters as a severe cyclonic storm is forecast to hit the Andhra coast on October 28.
Meanwhile, Puducherry has been experiencing continuous rainfall since last night, attributed to the intensifying weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
The low-pressure area over the central and adjacent southeast Bay of Bengal upgraded to a depression on October 24 and has since evolved into a cyclonic system.
Cyclone warning signals are now displayed at nine ports in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore, due to the strengthening of the weather system.
The IMD has indicated that the depression is expected to move northwest and further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, off the Andhra Pradesh coast, by early morning on October 28.
While the storm is predicted to cross the Andhra coast, the southern and coastal districts of Odisha are likely to face heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to prioritize public safety, evacuation, and emergency response to ensure zero casualties during the storm.
The IMD predicts that the depression could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, making landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of October 28, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 km/h and gusts reaching up to 140 km/h.
Officials have indicated that the storm is expected to make landfall approximately 300 km from Gopalpur in Odisha.
The upcoming cyclonic storm will be named Arnab, a name contributed by Bangladesh, meaning ‘ocean’ in Bengali, as part of the naming list maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the IMD.
SCHOOL CLOSURES IN FIVE DISTRICTS OF ODISHA
The Odisha government has announced the closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri on October 28 and 29, anticipating the most significant impact from the storm. Other coastal areas may also experience considerable rainfall, with local collectors in various districts deciding on school closures based on the specific weather conditions.
To ensure administrative readiness, the state government has canceled the leave of district collectors, district magistrates, and officials in critical positions, mandating their return to headquarters.
DEPLOYMENT OF ODRAF AND NDRF TEAMS
The government has activated approximately 60 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 225 Fire Services teams to handle emergencies. Officials have been tasked with relocating residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations, focusing on the elderly, patients, and pregnant women. Medical personnel will be available to transfer individuals requiring care to healthcare facilities as necessary.
Ganjam District Collector Keerthi Vasan V stated that 100 cyclone shelters have been prepared, and 1,000 temporary locations have been identified for potential evacuations.
Majhi has also instructed various departments, including Health and Family Welfare, Water Resources, Energy, Agriculture, and Rural Development, to remain ready for action.
Authorities are expected to ensure the quick restoration of essential services and repair any damage caused by the storm.
Health facilities in areas at risk are advised to stockpile essential medicines, medical kits, and anti-venom injections in anticipation of emergencies that may arise from flooding and waterlogging.
IMD ISSUES RED WARNING
The IMD has projected heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha from October 27 to 29, issuing a red warning for Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam for October 28, predicting significant rainfall and isolated downpours exceeding 20 cm.
This rainfall may come with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 60-70 km/h, according to the weather agency.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from October 24, and those already at sea are instructed to return to shore.
The government has also called on farmers to take measures to safeguard their crops from the anticipated heavy rain and strong winds.
Relevant departments have been directed to coordinate their efforts, monitor vulnerable regions, and ensure the timely removal of fallen trees while restoring electricity and road connectivity.
Odisha continues to monitor the evolving weather situation and has instructed all departments to stay vigilant as preparations for the cyclone’s potential impact continue.
