Cyclone alert: Schools, colleges shut in 5 Odisha districts on 28 and 29 October
New Delhi: Coastal areas across southern and eastern India are on high alert as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal gathers strength. The weather system is predicted to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 26 October, before heading towards the Andhra Pradesh coastline. If named, it will be called Cyclone Arnab, a title contributed by Bangladesh that translates to ocean in Bengali.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the storm to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of 28 October. Wind speeds during the crossing could touch 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. Speaking to ANI, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra explained that the system would steadily transition from a depression to a deep depression and then into a full cyclonic storm.
Down south, heavy monsoon downpours have already battered parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, leading to severe waterlogging in areas like Krishna Nagar, Coast Road, and Laspet Sarum. Cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine major ports across the region, including Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi, Pamban, and Karaikal, alerting maritime operators to stay vigilant.
Odisha mobilises rescue teams and shuts schools
Even though the storm is headed towards Andhra Pradesh, neighbouring Odisha is preparing for intense rain and damaging winds across its southern belt. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has set a clear goal of zero casualties, directing the administration to prioritise immediate evacuations.
Leave for district collectors and key administrative officers has been cancelled. Schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres across five vulnerable districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri will stay shut on 28 and 29 October. In Ganjam alone, 100 dedicated cyclone shelters have been set up alongside 1,000 temporary centres.
Red alert issued as rescuers move to ground
The IMD has placed five districts in southern Odisha under a red warning for 28 October, with downpours expected to cross 20 cm alongside surface winds of up to 70 kmph.
To tackle ground disruptions, Odisha has deployed around 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams, and 225 Fire Services units. Hospitals in exposed belts have been asked to stock anti-snake venom and emergency medical supplies, while fishermen have been told to stay off the waters.