Deep Depression Over Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Likely by Monday

Bhubaneswar: A weather system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, with a cyclone likely to develop by Monday. The Odisha government has assured residents that it is prepared to handle the possible impact and appealed to people to remain calm.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely tracking the system, which formed near the Andaman Islands and is moving northwestwards. Rainfall is expected to increase across coastal Odisha over the coming days.

The system may cross the coast on October 28, with the potential landfall zone stretching from Gopalpur in Odisha to Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. However, the exact location is yet to be determined.

The state government has initiated precautionary measures, and preparedness in 16 districts will be reviewed by the Chief Secretary, senior officials and district Collectors. Winds of 60–70 kmph and heavy rainfall are possible in affected areas. The administration has also arranged personnel and equipment to deal with potential landslides and other post-cyclone emergencies, particularly in southern Odisha.