New Delhi — :The Cyclone warning issued for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has caused panic along the coastal belt. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised an orange alert as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is now set to turn into a cyclonic storm within hours. This system is likely to hit the coasts of these two states by tomorrow evening with strong winds and heavy rain.
Fishermen Warned, Ports on Alert
IMD has asked fishermen not to go near the sea till the storm passes. Winds may reach up to 90 km/h, causing high waves and dangerous sea conditions. Small fishing boats have been seen returning to shore in large numbers at places like Gopalpur, Puri, and Kakinada. Authorities have told fishermen already at sea to return quickly and stay safe.
All major ports in the region including Paradip, Visakhapatnam, and Gangavaram have been placed on alert. Signal flags have been raised to warn of the upcoming cyclone. Navy and Coast Guard ships have been kept ready in case of emergencies.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Coastal Districts
According to IMD, very heavy rainfall is expected in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram districts. Low-lying areas may face waterlogging and people have been advised to remain indoors. District administrations have issued school and college holiday notices for the next two days.
In many villages, people have started moving to higher grounds, fearing flooding. Rescue teams from NDRF and SDRF have already reached risky locations to help with quick evacuation if needed.
Trains and Flights May Be Affected
Railway services in the coastal route are likely to be hit. Trains running between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar may be canceled or delayed depending on weather conditions. The Civil Aviation Department has said that flights may face delays at Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam airports due to strong winds and poor visibility.
Travelers have been asked to check train and flight status before leaving for stations or airports. Local buses and auto services may also be reduced in affected zones.
Odisha and Andhra Governments on High Alert
The governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are on full alert. Control rooms have been opened, and 24×7 monitoring is going on at district levels. All departments including electricity, water, roads, health, and disaster response are ready with emergency plans.
Food packets, medicines, and shelter homes are being kept ready for people who may need to be shifted. Local police are using speakers and WhatsApp groups to warn people and give safety instructions.
Cyclone to Hit Coast by Tomorrow Evening, Public Asked to Stay Safe
Cyclonic storm is moving closer and may make landfall near the Odisha-Andhra coast by tomorrow evening. IMD is tracking it round the clock and more updates are expected soon. People in affected areas should stay indoors, keep phones charged, and follow all safety rules to protect themselves and their families.
