Schools shut, officials' leaves cancelled: Odisha steps up preparedness as severe cyclonic storm nears Andhra coast

Odisha is preparing for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding risks, and other effects from a very severe cyclonic storm expected to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The state’s main goal is public safety and zero casualties, even though the predicted landfall is outside Odisha.

The government cancelled leave for district collectors, district magistrates, and other officials in critical offices. It ordered them to return to headquarters. Schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres were closed in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri on October 28 and 29. About 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams, and 225 Fire Services teams were placed on alert.

Officials are readying cyclone shelters and temporary accommodation. Ganjam prepared 100 shelters and identified 1,000 temporary locations. Vulnerable residents, especially elderly people, patients, and pregnant women, may be moved to safety. Key departments are also preparing for prompt repairs after storm damage.

A depression is an organized low-pressure weather system with relatively limited winds. Under India’s meteorological classification, a depression has sustained winds of about 31–49 kmph. A very severe cyclonic storm is a far stronger stage, with sustained winds of about 118–165 kmph. Stronger winds generally mean greater risks to buildings, trees, power lines, transport, and coastal communities.

The article reports that the Bay of Bengal system is currently a depression. The India Meteorological Department expects it to intensify before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Forecast winds are 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.

The article uses the forecast term “very severe cyclonic storm,” but does not explain the technical categories. The difference matters because intensification gives authorities less time to complete evacuations, secure infrastructure, prepare shelters, and position rescue teams. Odisha is acting before the system reaches land.

The storm is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm before landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. The IMD forecasts sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph. These conditions can make travel dangerous and damage power, roads, homes, crops, and other infrastructure.

Odisha has assembled a large emergency response. Around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and 17 National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed. Another 225 Fire Services teams are on high alert. These teams support rescue, evacuation, firefighting, and immediate emergency response.

Shelter capacity is also being organized. Ganjam District Collector Keerthi Vasan V said 100 cyclone shelters were prepared, while 1,000 temporary locations were identified. Collectors in southern and coastal districts must ensure shelters can receive evacuated residents. The scale of preparation reflects the uncertainty around rainfall and wind impacts beyond the landfall point.

A cyclone’s effects spread well beyond its exact landfall point. Odisha is preparing because the forecast landfall near Andhra Pradesh is only about 300 kilometres from Gopalpur. The storm’s rain bands and wind field may reach Odisha, especially its southern and coastal districts.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi warned that Odisha could receive heavy rainfall and gusty winds of 70–90 kmph. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to face the greatest impact. Other coastal areas could also receive significant rain, even if they avoid the storm’s centre.

This is why Odisha has cancelled official leave, closed educational institutions in five districts, and deployed emergency teams. Rain can disrupt roads, power, agriculture, and essential services, while strong winds can damage structures and trees. Authorities are preparing shelters and evacuation plans now, rather than waiting for the storm’s final effects to become clear.

Educational institutions in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri will remain closed on October 28 and 29. This includes schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres. Collectors in other districts will decide whether closures are needed as weather conditions develop.

The government has cancelled the leave of district collectors, district magistrates, and other officers in critical offices. A General Administration Department notification ordered them to return to their headquarters immediately. Keeping officials in place helps maintain administration, coordinate warnings, organize shelters, and respond quickly to emergencies.

People living in vulnerable areas may be relocated to safer places. Officials have been told to give special attention to elderly people, patients, and pregnant women. Those needing medical support may be shifted to healthcare facilities. Cyclone shelters and temporary locations are being prepared to accommodate evacuated residents safely.

The India Meteorological Department provides the storm forecast, including its expected track, strength, rainfall, and winds. Odisha’s administrative authorities then use that information to coordinate safety measures. District collectors and magistrates are responsible for local preparedness, shelters, and evacuation decisions.

For field emergencies, around 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams have been deployed. These forces support rescue and emergency response. The article also places 225 Fire Services teams on high alert, giving them a central role in firefighting and related emergencies. Cyclone shelters are managed through district authorities.

Health and Family Welfare officials are preparing medical support, including care for people moved from vulnerable areas. The Water Resources, Energy, Agriculture, Panchayati Raj, and Rural Development departments are also on alert. Engineering services and other departments must arrange prompt repairs to damage caused by the cyclone and rainfall.

The article states that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression, and that the northeast monsoon remains active. It does not explain the physical process behind this development. The following explanation comes from established meteorological knowledge rather than the article.

A depression can develop when warm ocean water supplies heat and moisture to rising air. Air then converges near the surface and rises, lowering pressure. As thunderstorms organize around the centre, the system can gain strength. Earth’s rotation helps the circulation develop, while weak winds higher in the atmosphere allow the system to remain organized.

During the northeast monsoon, parts of the Bay of Bengal can provide moist air and favorable weather patterns. If conditions remain supportive, a depression may intensify into a cyclonic storm or stronger category. However, not every depression strengthens. The article records the current system’s development and forecast, but does not identify every factor affecting its future intensity.