06 May 2022 | 03:59 PM UTC
India: Adverse weather forecast in eastern regions through at least May 7
Severe weather forecast in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and coastal Odisha, India, through at least May 7. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are forecast across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through May 7 and in coastal Odisha State May 10. The adverse weather is associated with a low-pressure area currently over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. Forecast models indicate the system will move northeastward and become a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal late May 7 and a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal late May 8. The system is forecast to continue to move northwestwards and reach the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off the north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on May 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of May 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds gusting up to 65 kph (40 mph) over parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands May 6-7. Heavy rainfall is forecast over coastal Odisha May 10. The IMD has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for May 6-7 and yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds for Odisha State May 10. The IMD recommends the total suspension of fishing and tourism activities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands May 6-8 and has advised fishers not to venture out into parts of the Bay of Bengal affected by the storm system in the coming days. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
Transport
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at airports in the region, including Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) serving Port Blair, and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm or cyclone conditions. Heed all evacuation orders. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the high potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and any necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
