A cyclonic storm could be brewing over the Bay of Bengal by Friday, with a depression expected to develop from a well-marked low-pressure area over the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system currently lying over the South Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a depression by Thursday.
Thereafter, it would continue northwestwards over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, gradually strengthening into Cyclone Michaung around December 2nd.
With the impending cyclogenesis, Odisha authorities have sounded alert in 7 coastal districts. The state disaster management agency has advised fishermen against venturing into seas from December 1st given the anticipated rough conditions.
IMD regional head HR Biswas said several south Odisha districts could experience light to moderate rains and thunderstorms on December 3rd once the cyclone nears land.
The projected path remains dynamic as forecast models update. But early warnings have allowed the administration to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
As year-end storms can be unpredictable, authorities are preparing for all contingencies from flooding to structural damages. Cyclone Jawad in 2021 too had emerged around this period, illustrating the Arabian Sea’s tendency for late-season storms.
The developing system marks the first cyclonic circulation in the aftermath of severe cyclonic storms Sitrang and Mandous in October and December respectively. As climate change accelerates, the Indian Ocean has witnessed increased instances of catastrophic weather events.
With the memory of Cyclone Fani’s trail of destruction still fresh, Odisha will hope fortunes favor them this time around. But nonetheless, these are testing times for disaster management agencies to stay vigilant around the clock.
