Rain spreads across southern and coastal Odisha
Several parts of Odisha experienced rainfall on Tuesday as authorities monitored the approaching weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
Berhampur, Rayagada and Puri were among the places that received rain, while moderate showers were reported in Bhubaneswar, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Cuttack and Keonjhar.
The rainfall prompted officials to intensify preparedness measures, particularly in southern and coastal areas expected to experience adverse weather conditions.
According to the report, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the cyclone would reach the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coastline in the early hours of Wednesday. The bulletin cited in the report placed the expected landfall window between 2am and 4am, along the stretch between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
The forecast also indicated maximum sustained winds of 125–135kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 150kmph. Such conditions can cause damage to buildings, trees, power lines and transport infrastructure, making advance warnings and evacuation arrangements important.
Eight districts placed under heavy rainfall alert
Eight districts in Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada, were expected to receive heavy rainfall as the weather system approached the neighbouring coast.
The state administration began preparations to reduce the risk to people living in vulnerable areas. According to the report, authorities planned to relocate around 50,000 people to safer places.
The scale of the proposed movement reflects concerns about the possible effects of intense rainfall, including localised flooding, waterlogging and disruption to road connectivity.
Residents in areas identified by local authorities as vulnerable were expected to follow official instructions and move to designated shelters where required. Emergency teams were also preparing to respond to weather-related incidents.
The actual impact across Odisha would depend on the cyclone's track, rainfall distribution and the condition of local rivers and drainage systems.
Schools ordered to remain closed
Schools in eight districts were directed to remain closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
The closure was intended to reduce the exposure of students and school staff to dangerous weather and possible travel disruptions. Heavy rain, strong winds and waterlogged roads can make commuting difficult, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas.
Parents and students were advised to follow announcements from district administrations and school authorities for updates on closures and the resumption of classes.
The report did not specify whether the closure order covered all educational institutions or only schools under particular administrative jurisdictions. Families should therefore rely on the latest district-level instructions for details.
Tourists warned to stay away from beaches
Authorities in Puri issued a warning advising tourists not to venture onto the beach as weather conditions deteriorated.
A similar alert was issued for Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district. The warnings were aimed at preventing people from entering areas exposed to rough seas and potentially dangerous waves.
Coastal conditions can become hazardous during a cyclone, even when the centre of the system remains some distance away. Strong winds, powerful waves and sudden changes in sea conditions can put beachgoers at risk.
Tourists and local residents were urged to follow instructions from police, lifeguards and district officials and to avoid restricted coastal areas until authorities declared conditions safe.
Train services face cancellations and regulation
The East Coast Railway announced that 22 express and passenger train services would be cancelled or regulated on different dates between October 27 and November 5.
The affected services connect several locations, including Visakhapatnam, Secunderabad, Kirandul, Jagdalpur, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Rayagada, Howrah, Bhubaneswar and Koraput.
The operational changes were intended to address safety concerns and potential disruption associated with the approaching weather system. Train services may be cancelled, diverted, rescheduled or regulated depending on weather conditions and railway operational requirements.
Passengers travelling during the affected period should check the latest updates from the official railway enquiry system or East Coast Railway before leaving for a station. They should confirm the status of their specific train rather than assume that every service on a listed route has been cancelled.
The reported disruption period extends beyond the expected landfall window, indicating that railway operations may be adjusted according to changing conditions and the time required to assess infrastructure and restore normal services.
Preparedness remains central as the system approaches
Odisha's preparations have focused on moving people away from vulnerable locations, suspending school activities in affected districts and warning residents and visitors to avoid hazardous coastal areas.
The state's proximity to Andhra Pradesh means that even a cyclone expected to make landfall across the neighbouring coastline can bring significant rainfall and adverse conditions to parts of Odisha.
The extent of the impact will depend on the system's movement and the rainfall it produces over the state. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring weather bulletins and issuing district-specific instructions as conditions evolve.
For residents, the immediate priorities are to follow evacuation directions, avoid beaches and other exposed coastal locations, and keep track of official announcements on transport and public services.
The situation also highlights the importance of checking updated forecasts before travelling, particularly for journeys involving coastal districts or train routes affected by operational changes.
