Odisha puts all districts on high alert as low pressure may strengthen into a cyclone

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government placed all districts on high alert on Friday as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 26, officials said. According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system formed early on Friday and is likely to develop into a depression by October 24, followed by a deep depression on October 25. It is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and move toward the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the next two days.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system may make landfall on the morning of October 28, somewhere between the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. “Keeping in view the IMD’s forecast, the state government has already started preparations for the impending weather system,” Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari told reporters after reviewing preparedness measures. Appealing to people not to panic, Pujari said Odisha was fully prepared to face severe storms and cyclones.

He added that 16 coastal districts are being given priority, as they are likely to be affected by the system. “We have prepared for the worst-case scenario, regardless of the eventual intensity of the storm or its landfall location. All state government departments concerned and district administrations are fully prepared to face any eventuality posed by the probable cyclone,” he said.

The minister said district collectors have been instructed to keep contingency plans and departmental arrangements ready. He added that the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority has directed officials to shift people from low-lying areas to safer locations, keep cyclone shelters ready and put emergency measures into action. Owners of large trawlers and vessels have also been alerted, while fishermen who have ventured into deep sea waters have been advised to return to shore immediately.

The IMD has asked fishermen to reach the coast by the morning of October 24. The weather office said the Andaman Islands, coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, as well as parts of Gangetic West Bengal, may witness squally conditions with light to moderate rain between October 23 and 25. Winds along the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts may gust up to 60 kmph on October 27, with speeds expected to increase gradually after that.

Pujari said pregnant women in vulnerable areas, especially those nearing their delivery dates, would be identified and moved in advance to cyclone shelters, district headquarters hospitals or community health centres. He also said the Health Department has been instructed to ensure that hospitals, medical relief centres and mobile health teams are equipped with emergency medicines, power backup and facilities for emergency obstetric care. Arrangements are also being made at designated shelters for drinking water, dry food and essential healthcare services for pregnant women, new mothers and children, he said.

Under the state’s “Zero Casualty” policy, the administration has been directed to remain on high alert, he added. Pujari said the IMD has identified a “red zone” for October 27, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Widespread rain alerts have also been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi.

The minister said the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire Services have been placed on standby. Orissa POST – Odisha’s No.1 English Daily