Andhra braces for very severe cyclonic storm; Odisha activates disaster mitigation machinery | LIVE
Follow the Hindu's LIVE updates as IMD warns of heavy rainfall in T.N., Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha with a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal set to intensify into a cyclone
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, northern, delta and western districts
Updated - October 25, 2026 09:06 am IST
Clouds build over Visakhapatnam as coastal Andhra Pradesh braces for a cyclonic system forming in the Bay of Bengal. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak
The cyclonic storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. It is likely to be the second highest in terms of intensity. Last year’s Montha was classified as a ‘severe cyclonic storm’.
The maximum sustained wind speed associated with a very severe cyclonic storm is likely to be between 118 km per hour and 221 km per hour. The severe cyclonic storm will make landfall between the northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts on the morning of October 28.
The Odisha Government on Saturday (October 24, 2026) activated its disaster response and mitigation machinery. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the State’s preparedness and directed officials to prioritise public safety, evacuation and emergency response, stressing a zero-casualty objective.
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph.
Farmers in Chittoor and Annamayya regions breathed a sigh of relief following the recent downpours, which finally ended a long dry spell in the area. The showers have significantly increased soil moisture levels, breathing life into their plans for the upcoming rabi season.
However, that optimism is tempered by anxiety due to a brewing system in the Bay of Bengal, leaving farmers worried about potential crop destruction just as things were starting to look up.
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The Odisha Government on Saturday (October 24) activated its disaster response and mitigation machinery as the well-marked low-pressure area intensified into a depression.
Keeping in view the impending calamity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness and directed officials to prioritise public safety, evacuation and emergency response, stressing a zero-casualty objective.
He said the cyclone could affect Odisha, bringing heavy rainfall in southern and coastal districts along with gusty winds of 70-90 kmph.
Five districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri -- are likely to be the most affected, while significant rainfall is expected in other coastal districts, the Chief Minister said.
With a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into a deep depression on Sunday (October 25, 2026) before possibly developing into a cyclone, the Odisha government on Saturday (October 24, 2026) stepped up preparedness as part of its efforts to ensure zero casualties with disaster response teams on high alert.
Educational institutions in five Odisha districts will be closed on October 28 and 29 while fishermen along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast have been warned not to venture into the sea as per standard advisory.
Southern Odisha districts are expected to be impacted with heavy rain under influence of the cyclone as per disaster management authorities.
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Low pressure over Bay of Bengal likely to turn into cyclonic storm, landfall expected on Oct. 28
IMD: Bay of Bengal system intensifies to cyclonic storm, landfall likely Oct 28 between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinyam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchi, Karur, Cuddalore, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Sivaganga and Karaikal districts area on Sunday.
Isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts are likely to get extremely heavy rainfall, and have been issued a red alert.
Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Erode, Virudhunagar, and Kanyakumari districts, and Puducherry.
