3 min readOct 24, 2026 05:39 PM ISTCiting IMD inputs, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the cyclone was more likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. (Representative Image)Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern Odisha districts bordering Andhra Pradesh will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as the state steps up preparedness for a cyclone brewing over the Bay of Bengal. The government has put the administration on high alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in several districts.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression on Saturday and a deep depression over the next 24 hours.It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning and move west-northwest towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the IMD yet to ascertain the exact landfall location.Also Read | India’s east coast may soon see Arnab, the year’s first cycloneThe Odisha government said Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph. Several coastal districts are also likely to receive rainfall from October 27.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparedness and directed officials to ensure zero casualties, drawing on the state’s experience in handling previous cyclones. Citing IMD inputs, Majhi said the cyclone was more likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.The state government has announced the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern districts bordering Andhra Pradesh on October 28 and 29. Collectors in other coastal districts have been authorised to decide on closures based on the evolving situation.Collectors have been directed to identify vulnerable areas and keep cyclone and flood shelters ready for evacuations. Officials have also been asked to prioritise shifting patients and pregnant women to health centres.Story continues below this adAt least 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams have been put on high alert for relief and rescue operations, officials said.Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. Health centres in vulnerable areas have been directed to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom, medicines and medical kits, officials said.Engineering departments have been asked to prepare for immediate restoration work, including the prompt removal of fallen trees blocking roads. With the harvesting season approaching, Majhi has also advised officials to alert farmers and raise awareness about harvesting and safely storing their crops.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdSujit Bisoyi is a Special Correspondent with the Indian Express and covers Odisha. His interests are in politics, policy and people’s stories. He tweets at @bisoyisujit87 ... Read More Tags:OdishaAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementAdvertisement