Bay of Bengal depression strengthens as Andhra and Odisha brace for severe cyclone

UPDATE - follow-up to Andhra braces for very severe cyclonic storm; Odisha activates disaster mitigation machinery | LIVE: A depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting widespread alerts across coastal regions. According to the India Meteorological Department, the system will move over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal before making landfall between northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by the forenoon of October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds during the system are expected to reach between 118 and 221 kilometres per hour, with gusting winds up to 140 kilometres per hour.

State Preparedness

State administrations have stepped up emergency measures ahead of the impact. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed cyclone preparedness and directed officials to prevent fishermen from going into the sea, alert residents in low-lying areas, and set up toll-free numbers for help. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, through Managing Director Prakhar Jain, urged residents to remain on high alert. In neighbouring Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed state preparedness on Saturday, October 24, directing officials to prioritise public safety and ensure a zero-casualty objective. Meanwhile, nine ports across Tamil Nadu have hoisted a No. 1 cyclone warning cage.

Regional Impacts

Heavy rains and safety closures have been reported across multiple states. Tiruvannamalai Collector Vandhana Garg banned tourists from visiting Bheeman Falls in the Jawadhu Hills due to heavy rainwater flow. Coimbatore district also kept the Kovai Courtallam waterfall closed. In Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation deployed officials including GCC South Zone Deputy Commissioner Ahtab Rasool to inspect waterlogged areas and speed up pumping operations, while also sharing emergency helpline 1913 for tree falls. Kerala faced multiple orange and red alerts issued by the IMD across districts like Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Bengaluru and Delhi also experienced overnight rains, temperature drops, and moderate air quality.

Context

Cyclonic storms regularly form in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon transition period, drawing energy from warm ocean waters before hitting India's eastern coastline. State disaster management authorities coordinate closely with the India Meteorological Department during these periods to issue early warnings and evacuate vulnerable coastal populations ahead of landfall.