India: Cyclone to hit Odisha, Andhra Pradesh October 10-11

Event

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclonic alert for Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh on Monday, October 8. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to develop into a cyclone on Wednesday, October 10, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the central eastern coast of India. A red alert, the highest of four ratings, is in place for Odisha on Wednesday and Thursday, October 11, with 6-20 cm (2.5-7.8 in) of rain predicted. Winds will increase over Tuesday and Wednesday with gusts of 100 km/h (62 mph) expected by the morning of Thursday, October 11. The storm is expected to bring the most damage to Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh and Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Puri districts of Odisha.

Context

Tropical cyclones are common in the Bay of Bengal from May through December.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas should monitor local weather reports, anticipate heavy rain, wind damage, and flooding, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid low-lying areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.