Odisha and Andhra launch mass evacuations ahead of October 28 cyclone

Coastal states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have mobilised robust disaster management protocols as a severe weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasting models from the India Meteorological Department indicate that a very severe cyclonic storm, named Arnab, will likely make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

Developing storm trajectory

Originating as a well-marked low-pressure zone, the system intensified into a depression on October 24 and continues to track northwestward. Weather experts expect the cyclonic storm to generate maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, with localised gusts reaching 140 kmph. Storm trajectory data places the system approximately 300 km from Gopalpur in Odisha during its critical phase.

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Evacuations and shelters prepared

Odisha government officials have suspended all leaves for district administrators to ensure maximum readiness across vulnerable zones. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed emergency personnel to prioritise safe evacuations and maintain a strict zero-casualty objective. State departments have deployed 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force units, and 225 Fire Services crews. Educational institutions across Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri will remain closed on October 28 and 29.

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Red Warning Issued

Meteorological teams issued a red warning for these five southern districts due to anticipated downpours exceeding 20 cm, accompanied by surface winds reaching up to 70 kmph. Ganjam officials alone have prepared 100 dedicated shelters and identified 1,000 temporary locations for potential evacuees. Medical facilities have stocked emergency kits and anti-snake venom, while farmers received advisories to protect standing crops.

Southern states under alert

Southern regions are already feeling the early atmospheric impacts. Puducherry reported continuous rainfall, while maritime authorities hoisted cyclone warning signals at nine key ports across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. Fishermen currently in deep waters have received urgent instructions to return to the coast immediately. Bangladesh provided the name Arnab, which translates to ocean in Bengali, following standard regional storm naming conventions maintained by global meteorological organizations.