Authorities across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have intensified preparedness as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to develop into a cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of October 28, bringing sustained winds of 115-125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph.
It developed from a low-pressure area into a depression on October 24 and is expected to intensify further. If it becomes a cyclonic storm, it will be named Arnab, a name contributed by Bangladesh meaning “ocean” in Bengali.
Odisha has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri to remain closed on October 28 and 29.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to prioritise evacuations and public safety. The state has mobilised around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force teams and 225 Fire Services teams.
The IMD has issued a red warning for the five districts on October 28, forecasting very heavy rainfall and isolated downpours exceeding 20 cm.
Heavy to very heavy rain is expected across parts of Odisha from October 27 to 29, with thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 60-70 kmph.
Authorities have prepared 100 cyclone shelters and identified 1,000 temporary accommodation sites in Ganjam.
Officials have been instructed to assist vulnerable residents, stock medical supplies and restore essential services quickly. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea from October 24, while farmers have been urged to protect crops.
Cyclone warning signals have been raised at nine Tamil Nadu ports, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Karaikal, Pamban and Thoothukudi. Continuous rainfall has also caused waterlogging in Puducherry, including Coast Road, Krishna Nagar and Laspet Sarum, with further heavy rain forecast for the region.
