Bay of Bengal Storm Set for Andhra Landfall
Why in News?
- News On AIR reported on 25 October 2026 that the Bay of Bengal system had reached the depression stage, and the India Meteorological Department expects it to intensify steadily.
- It is forecast to become a cyclonic storm on Monday 26 October, a severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday and a very severe cyclonic storm by the morning of Wednesday 28 October.
- It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in the forenoon of 28 October, with winds of 115 to 125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h.
- Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast in southern Odisha.
Key Terminologies
- Depression
- The stage of a tropical system with sustained winds of about 31 to 49 km/h, above a low-pressure area and below a deep depression. The IMD uses it as the first named stage in its bulletins.
- Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
- A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 89 to 117 km/h on the IMD scale. The forecast landfall winds of 115 to 125 km/h place the storm at the top of this band or just above it.
- Landfall
- The point at which the centre of a cyclone crosses the coastline. Wind, rain and storm surge are strongest around that point.
- Zero-Casualty Approach
- Odisha's stated policy of aiming for no loss of life in a disaster, using early evacuation, shelters and emergency teams.
Key Issues
- Rapid Intensification Risk: The system is forecast to move from depression to a very severe cyclonic storm in about three days over warm seas. Fast strengthening gives less time to prepare coastal districts.
- Crop Damage Before Harvest: The IMD warned of paddy lodging and damage to vegetable crops, as News On AIR reported. Lodged paddy near harvest causes grain loss and higher costs for farmers.
- Heavy Rain Inland: Heavy to very heavy rain in southern Odisha, away from the landfall zone, raises the risk of flooding and landslides in hilly districts such as Koraput and Rayagada.
- Coastal Infrastructure at Risk: Andhra Pradesh's Home Minister V. Anitha asked officials to remove hoardings, a sign that weak structures and loose objects cause injury in high winds.
- Two States, One Storm: Landfall in Andhra Pradesh with its heaviest rain in Odisha means two State governments must coordinate rescue, relief and fishermen's safety.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- Long Lead Time: The IMD gave a three-day forecast of stage, landfall zone and wind speed, which allows evacuation and stocking of relief.
- Visible Readiness: Odisha has kept 302 rescue teams on standby, and Andhra Pradesh has asked for NDRF and SDRF readiness, as News On AIR reported.
- Precautionary School Closures: Odisha closed schools, colleges and Anganwadis on 28 and 29 October in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, which reduces risk for children.
- Lessons Applied: Early warnings and a zero-casualty approach, which Odisha followed in earlier cyclones, have reduced loss of life.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Forecast Uncertainty: A landfall zone between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam spans a long stretch of coast, so local decisions still depend on later bulletins.
- Livelihood Loss: Fishing, paddy and vegetable farming can lose output even when lives are saved.
- Strain on Relief: Two States preparing at once can stretch NDRF and SDRF teams, which are limited in number.
- Learning Disruption: Closing schools for two days in five districts interrupts teaching, though safety comes first.
Key Initiatives
- IMD Stage-wise Forecasts: The India Meteorological Department issues bulletins on the system's stage, track and expected landfall, and its forecast on 25 October set out the path to 28 October.
- Odisha Rescue Readiness: The State has 302 rescue teams on standby and has closed schools, colleges and Anganwadis in five districts on 28 and 29 October.
- Andhra Pradesh Alert: Home Minister V. Anitha asked officials for high alert, readiness of NDRF and SDRF, and removal of hoardings.
- National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project: The Centre launched it to reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities, as the minister told the Lok Sabha in March 2021.
- Fishermen Advisories: Fishermen in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been told to return to shore and follow marine weather advisories.
The India Meteorological Department tracks the system, the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Forces prepare for rescue, and the State governments handle evacuation and relief. The reports reviewed do not give the storm's official name.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Issue district-level landfall bulletins at shorter intervals, so that evacuations are well targeted.
- Pre-position relief and fodder in hill districts of southern Odisha that may be cut off by rain.
- Offer crop advisories to farmers on harvesting early and draining fields, to limit paddy loss.
The forecast shows both the danger of a fast-strengthening storm and the strength of India's early-warning system. The strengths are long lead time and visible readiness in both States, and the weaknesses are crop exposure and strain on rescue teams. In a Mains answer, credit the IMD and State agencies for preparedness, then conclude that lasting resilience needs better farm advisories, strong coastal infrastructure and coordination across States.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Bay of Bengal storm expected to make landfall?
The India Meteorological Department expects the system to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in the forenoon of 28 October 2026. News On AIR reported winds of 115 to 125 km/h with gusts up to 140 km/h at landfall.
How strong is the storm forecast to become?
The system was a depression on 25 October 2026. The IMD forecasts a cyclonic storm on 26 October, a severe cyclonic storm on 27 October and a very severe cyclonic storm by the morning of 28 October, as it moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
What precautions has Odisha taken?
Odisha has kept 302 rescue teams on standby. Schools, colleges and Anganwadis in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed on 28 and 29 October, and heavy to very heavy rain is forecast in southern Odisha.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 The IMD classifies a tropical system with winds of 89 to 117 km/h as a very severe cyclonic storm.
The forecast landfall winds are 115 to 125 km/h.
2 The Bay of Bengal system was forecast to cross the Gujarat coast on 28 October 2026.
It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
3 Odisha follows a zero-casualty approach in disaster management.
It uses early evacuation, shelters and emergency teams.