A cyclonic storm may make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, the India Meteorological Department said. Authorities started preparations across 30 districts to ensure safety. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said, “We have asked all 30 districts to be on alert” as heavy rain approaches.
A developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm and make landfall on the morning of October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
The system could bring heavy rainfall and adverse weather along India's eastern coast. Keeping the worst in mind, authorities have begun preparations.
The weather system is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning, the IMD said.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told news agency PTI that the cyclone was “likely to make landfall on the morning of October 28 somewhere between the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.”
PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY
Odisha has alerted all 30 districts, placed emergency response teams on standby and begun precautionary measures, with the state government aiming for zero casualties.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said all concerned departments had been asked to remain alert. The government has also cancelled leave for employees in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Khurda districts.
“We have asked all 30 districts to be on alert. Collectors of 16 coastal and southern districts have been advised to take precautionary measures,” Pujari told PTI.
District collectors have been authorised to decide whether schools and colleges should close. In Cuttack, Durga Puja committees have been asked to immediately remove decorative bamboo structures erected for the festival.
Owners of large trawlers and vessels have been alerted, while fishermen who have ventured into the deep sea have been advised to return to the coast immediately, Pujari said.
HEAVY RAIN TO ARRIVE
“Extra attention is being given to Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely,” Pujari said.
Rainfall alerts have also been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi districts.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire and Emergency Services have been placed on standby ahead of the system's expected approach towards the coast.