Current Affairs · · GS1 · Geography

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh brace as Bay of Bengal system intensifies

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal may strengthen into a cyclonic storm and approach the southern Odisha–northern Andhra Pradesh coast by 28 October, according to the IMD. Heavy to extremely heavy rain is forecast. Odisha has cancelled officials' leave and put disaster response forces on standby.

Event date:

REq1
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    WHY IN NEWS?

    • A low-pressure area over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm.
    • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to approach the southern Odisha–northern Andhra Pradesh coast by 28 October 2026.
    • Red warnings flag extremely heavy rain in vulnerable districts of both States.
    • Odisha has cancelled leave for all officials and kept NDRF and ODRAF teams on standby.
    • Final strength and landfall point remain uncertain.
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    HOW A CYCLONE GROWS

    IMD classifies systems by sustained wind speed. The table shows the stages.

    StageWind speed (km/h)
    Depression31–49
    Deep depression50–61
    Cyclonic storm62–88
    Severe cyclonic storm89–117
    Very severe cyclonic storm118–166
    Extremely severe cyclonic storm167–221
    Super cyclonic storm222 and above

    A system gets a name only when it reaches cyclonic-storm strength.

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    KEY CONCEPTS

    1. Why is October–November a cyclone season?

    After the monsoon withdraws, the Bay of Bengal stays warm. Light upper-level winds let storms organise and strengthen.

    1. What is a storm surge?

    It is a rise in sea level pushed ashore by a cyclone's winds and low pressure. It causes most coastal flooding and many deaths.

    1. How are cyclones named?

    Thirteen countries in the region contribute names to a list maintained by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. IMD, as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre, assigns them in turn.

    1. What do IMD's colour codes mean?

    Green means no action; yellow, be updated; orange, be prepared; red, take action.

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    LESSONS FROM PAST STORMS

    • Phailin (2013): Mass evacuation in Odisha kept deaths low, a model now studied worldwide.
    • Hudhud (2014): It battered Visakhapatnam's infrastructure and power supply.
    • Titli (2018): Rain-triggered landslides caused deaths in southern Odisha's hill districts.
    • Lesson: Rain and landslides inland can be as deadly as wind on the coast.
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    THE PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK

    • Law: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 set up NDMA, State authorities and the NDRF.
    • Odisha's model: OSDMA, set up after the 1999 super cyclone, and the State's ODRAF lead fast evacuations.
    • Infrastructure: The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project built shelters, evacuation roads and warning systems.
    • Community: Advisories keep fishermen ashore and move people from low-lying areas early.

Sources

Syllabus

PaperSubjectSub-topic
GS1GeographyTropical cyclones, formation and classification
GS3EnvironmentDisaster management and cyclone preparedness
PrelimsGeographyCyclone classification, naming, IMD colour codes, NDMA and NDRF

Topics

Agriculture and EnvironmentWorld Map-Based GeographyGovernance

Practice questions

  1. According to IMD, a system is classified as a "cyclonic storm" when sustained winds reach:

    1. 31–49 km/h
    2. 50–61 km/h
    3. 62–88 km/h
    4. 89–117 km/h
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Names are assigned from this stage.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  2. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority was set up after which event?

    1. Cyclone Phailin, 2013
    2. The 1999 super cyclone
    3. Cyclone Fani, 2019
    4. The 2004 tsunami
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The 1999 super cyclone killed thousands and led to Odisha's preparedness model.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  3. Under IMD's colour-coded warnings, an "orange" alert means:

    1. No action needed
    2. Be updated
    3. Be prepared
    4. Take action
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Red means take action.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

Mains practice

Answer-writing practice on this article. Attempt it first, then open the hints.

  1. GS3 · 150 words

    Odisha has become a global model for cyclone preparedness. Explain the factors behind its success and the challenges that remain.

    Show hints
    1. OSDMA
    2. early warning, evacuation
    3. shelters, community participation
    4. inland flooding and landslides
    5. livelihood losses