The Odisha government has intensified its preparations in anticipation of a potential cyclone, deploying rescue teams and establishing evacuation shelters. A very severe cyclonic storm is projected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further, posing a significant risk to coastal regions.

Continuous rainfall has been reported in Puducherry since the previous night, attributed to the intensifying weather system. The well-marked low-pressure area over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal developed into a depression on October 24, subsequently evolving into a cyclonic system.

As the storm approaches, cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. The IMD forecasts that the depression will move northwestwards, intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 28.

Schools and Institutions Closed in Odisha

The Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres in five districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri—on October 28 and 29. These areas are expected to experience the most significant impact from the storm. Other coastal districts may also encounter substantial rainfall, prompting local authorities to assess the situation before deciding on school closures.

In a bid to ensure administrative readiness, the state government has cancelled the leave of district collectors, district magistrates, and officials in critical roles. They have been instructed to return to their headquarters immediately to facilitate emergency response measures.

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 have been mobilised to address potential emergencies. Officials are focusing on relocating individuals from vulnerable areas to safer locations, especially the elderly, patients, and pregnant women.

Emergency Services and Health Preparations

Ganjam District Collector Keerthi Vasan V has announced that 100 cyclone shelters have been prepared, with 1,000 temporary locations identified for potential evacuations. The Chief Minister has instructed various departments, including Health and Family Welfare, Water Resources, and Agriculture, to remain vigilant and prepared for emergency situations.

Health facilities in high-risk areas are being advised to stock essential medicines, medical kits, and anti-snake venom injections in anticipation of emergencies resulting from flooding and waterlogging. Authorities are also tasked with ensuring the prompt restoration of essential services and repairing any damage caused by strong winds and rainfall.

The IMD has issued a red warning for five districts—Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam—forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall between October 27 and 29. The warning indicates that isolated regions may experience extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 60-70 kmph.

Fishermen and Farmers Advised to Take Precautions

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from October 24, while those already at sea are urged to return to the coast. The government has also recommended that farmers take necessary precautions to safeguard their crops from the anticipated heavy rain and strong winds.

Authorities are coordinating their response efforts, monitoring vulnerable areas, and ensuring the timely removal of fallen trees and restoration of electricity and road connectivity. Odisha continues to keep a close watch on the evolving weather system, directing all departments to remain alert as preparations for the cyclone’s potential impact progress.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share