Authorities in Odisha school closures and neighbouring regions have stepped up preparations as a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The India Meteorological Department expects the storm to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, bringing sustained winds of 115-125 kmph with gusts reaching 140 kmph.
The Odisha government has begun preparing evacuation shelters, mobilising disaster response teams and ordering educational institutions to remain closed. Meanwhile, Puducherry has been witnessing continuous rain, and cyclone warning signals have been raised at nine ports in Tamil Nadu.
Key Points Of The Odisha School Closures
- Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres will remain closed in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on October 28 and 29.
- The India Meteorological Department has issued a red warning for five districts for October 28, forecasting very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm.
- The state has mobilised around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force teams and 225 Fire Services teams.
- Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 24, and cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine Tamil Nadu ports.
Impact And Wind Forecast In Odisha And Andhra Pradesh
The developing depression originated from a well-marked low-pressure area on October 24 and is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm. If it becomes a cyclonic storm, it will be named Arnab, a name contributed by Bangladesh that means ocean in Bengali.
The system is expected to pass around 300 km from Gopalpur in Odisha, but southern and coastal parts of the state could still face strong winds and intense rainfall. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected across parts of Odisha between October 27 and 29, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 60-70 kmph.
District Preparations And Emergency Measures
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed departments to prioritise public safety and evacuation with the aim of preventing casualties. District authorities elsewhere in Odisha will decide on closures according to local weather conditions, while leave for district collectors and officials in key offices has been cancelled.
Officials have been asked to move people from vulnerable areas to safer places, giving priority to elderly residents, pregnant women and patients who may need medical assistance. Hospitals in vulnerable areas have been directed to stock essential medicines, medical kits and anti-snake venom injections. Departments responsible for electricity, water, roads, agriculture and rural development are preparing to restore essential services quickly, and farmers have been advised to protect crops from heavy rain and strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for Odisha school closures?
The India Meteorological Department forecasts very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm in Odisha school closures districts on October 28, with wind speeds reaching up to 140 kmph as the cyclonic storm approaches the coast.
Which districts are affected by Odisha school closures?
The Odisha government has ordered educational institutions and Anganwadi centres to remain closed in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts on October 28 and 29 due to the severe weather threat.
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