Odisha is preparing for a possible third cyclone in three weeks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says a weather system over the Bay of Bengal could grow into a storm soon.
A low-pressure area is a zone where air pressure drops, and it can build into storms.
The IMD says this one may first become a depression, and then a cyclonic storm by Monday, November 16.
Key points
- A storm system over the Bay of Bengal may become a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, November 17.
- Odisha has put all districts on alert, especially the southern and coastal areas.
- The exact landfall area is not yet confirmed by the weather office.
- Heavy rain is expected in parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
Why is Odisha on alert again?
Odisha was hit by two storms in recent weeks. Cyclone Arnab reached land in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on October 28.
It caused floods in several southern Odisha districts.
Cyclone Murasu came later and also brought rain. Both storms made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, but they still affected Odisha.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state is ready with its staff and equipment.
He said the government has put all collectors on alert.
So what could happen next on the coast?
The IMD has asked fishermen and coastal communities to return to the coast by Sunday.
They should follow weather updates and warnings closely.
From the morning of November 17, strong winds of 45 to 55 kilometres per hour may start along the south Odisha coast.
Gusts could reach 65 kilometres per hour.
Pujari said the state may get heavy rain even if the storm does not hit Odisha.
The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar expects 7 to 11 centimetres of rain at some places on Wednesday.
- October 28Cyclone Arnab reached land in Andhra Pradesh and caused floods in several southern Odisha districts.
- SundayThe IMD asks fishermen and coastal communities to return to the coast and follow weather warnings.
- Monday, November 16The weather system may become a cyclonic storm, according to the IMD.
- November 17Strong winds of 45 to 55 km/h may start along the south Odisha coast, with gusts up to 65 km/h.
- WednesdayBhubaneswar's Meteorological Centre expects 7 to 11 cm of rain at some places.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What is being done to prepare?
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil has written to district collectors.
Officials under orange and yellow warnings must stay especially alert.
A 24-hour control room will work in every district.
The Indian Coast Guard has also placed its ships, aircraft and disaster teams on high alert.
Explainer
What happened before
- Cyclone Arnab reached land in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on October 28 and caused floods in several southern Odisha districts.
- Cyclone Murasu came earlier this month and also brought rain to the region, and it too made landfall in Andhra Pradesh.
Why it matters
Odisha has been hit hard in recent weeks, so many people are wary of another storm. Fishermen and coastal families are the most exposed.
