Odisha on alert as cyclone approaches, fishermen urged to stay cautious

Odisha, Oct 25 : The Odisha government has placed its disaster management teams on high alert as a cyclonic storm brews over the Bay of Bengal, with the system expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the state from October 27 onward.

Although the cyclone is not likely to make a direct landfall in Odisha, the state is expected to experience widespread downpours, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions, prompting authorities to urge fishermen to stay cautious and avoid venturing into the sea.

Addressing the situation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured that the state is fully prepared to handle the possible impact of the approaching storm.

“Odisha is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, and flooding. We are preparing for the impending cyclonic storm predicted to approach around October 27–29. Departments including Health, Water Resources, Energy, and Agriculture are on full alert. Local administrations in vulnerable coastal regions have made arrangements for relief centres, evacuations, and essential supplies. We urge people not to panic,” the Minister said.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24. The system is expected to intensify into a depression by October 25, a deep depression by October 26, and a cyclonic storm over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal by October 27.

IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed that the weather system is gaining strength and may move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, while still bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall to Odisha’s coastal and southern districts from October 27 to 29.

“Odisha is likely to experience heavy rainfall activity on 27, 28, and 29 October. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from the 26th onwards as squally weather with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph are expected,” Mohanty warned.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the entire state, urging people, especially those in low-lying and coastal regions, to remain alert and follow updates closely.

Meanwhile, fishing operations in Thoothukudi and nearby coastal regions have been suspended as a precautionary measure. Authorities have instructed boats already at sea to return to shore immediately and advised residents in coastal villages to stay away from the seashore until conditions improve.

With the storm’s path still evolving, the Odisha government has assured that it is closely monitoring developments and will initiate evacuation and relief measures if required.