Odisha Cyclone Alert: IMD Issues Red Warning for Heavy Rain in 6 Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a possible severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha likely to face heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding from October 27.

The low-pressure system over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression by Saturday, a deep depression by Sunday and a cyclonic storm by Monday morning.

The system is likely to move towards the northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts, although the exact landfall location remains uncertain.

Cyclone may bring winds of up to 185 km/h

K. Naga Ratna, head of the Amaravati Meteorological Centre, said the system could cross the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of October 28 before moving towards Odisha the following day.

The storm could intensify into a severe or very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds potentially reaching 145 km/h. Gusts could reach 185 km/h, while sea surges of one to two metres are possible along the coast.

The IMD has warned of strong winds on October 27, with speeds expected to range between 120 and 165 km/h and potentially peak at 185 km/h.

The possible landfall zone stretches from West Godavari to Srikakulam districts in Andhra Pradesh. Authorities are monitoring the system as it develops over the Bay of Bengal.

IMD issues red alert for heavy rain in Andhra Pradesh

The IMD has issued red alerts for several districts in Andhra Pradesh as the approaching cyclone threatens to bring extremely heavy rainfall.

For October 27, Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts are under a red alert for extremely heavy rain.

On October 28, the red alert will cover Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema and West Godavari districts. Visakhapatnam has been placed under an orange alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Orange alerts have also been issued for Srikakulam, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Vizianagaram, Eluru and Krishna districts for October 27 and 28.

The expected rainfall could lead to waterlogging, flooding and transport disruptions, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas.

Fishermen advised to return to shore

Authorities have advised fishermen currently at sea to return to shore by Saturday morning and avoid venturing into the sea as weather conditions worsen.

People have also been urged to stay away from coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on October 27 and 28.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has appealed to residents and farmers to take precautions ahead of the approaching storm.

Residents in vulnerable areas should follow official weather bulletins and comply with evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.

Cyclone alert: Emergency helpline numbers issued

The APSDMA has announced the following numbers for emergency assistance:

• 112: Emergency response
• 1070: Disaster management helpline
• 18004250101: Emergency assistance helpline

Authorities are monitoring the system's movement and intensity as it approaches the eastern coastline. Residents have been advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and follow instructions from the administration.