A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and make landfall between the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts on the morning of October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
The well-marked low-pressure area is expected to develop into a depression during the day, followed by a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.
“It 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 weather office said.
The system is expected to intensify further and reach near the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28 morning. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system is "likely to make landfall on the morning of October 28 somewhere between the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts".
Odisha government steps up cyclone preparedness
Odisha disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said the state government has taken precautionary measures to deal with the anticipated adverse weather conditions, with the goal of "zero casualties".
He said all concerned departments have been asked to remain alert. The government has cancelled the leave of its 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 said.
District collectors have been authorised to decide whether to close schools and colleges in their respective jurisdictions.
The minister also said Durga Puja committees in Cuttack have been asked to immediately remove the decorative bamboo structures erected for the festival.
Fishermen advised to return to coast
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.
The minister said, "Extra attention is being given to Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely."
Alerts for widespread rainfall have also been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi districts, he said.
The National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire and Emergency Services personnel have been kept on standby, the minister added.