Very severe cyclonic storm poised to hit Andhra Pradesh coast by Oct 28

Very severe cyclonic storm expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh by the forenoon of Oct 28, with sustained winds of 115‑125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The system, which formed as a low‑pressure area on Oct 24, has already intensified into a depression and is forecast to strengthen to a deep depression on Oct 25, become a cyclonic storm on Oct 26, and reach severe cyclonic storm status by Oct 27. Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state's cyclone preparedness on Oct 24, ordered activation of disaster response machinery and directed officials to aim for zero casualties. President Droupadi Murmu postponed her two‑day visit to Odisha scheduled for Oct 28 because of the impending storm. Majhi warned that five districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri – could face the worst impact, with heavy rain and gusts of 70‑90 km/h expected in southern Odisha. IMD noted the storm could be the second‑strongest of the season, only behind last year’s Cyclone Montha, and may re‑curve west‑northwestward over the Bay of Bengal before landfall. ## Context Very severe cyclonic storms are classified when sustained winds exceed 118 km/h, a level that can cause extensive damage to coastal infrastructure. The region’s repeated exposure to such systems drives regular evacuation drills and disaster‑management planning.