Bay of Bengal Depression Intensifies; Cyclone Warnings Issued for 9 Ports
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, triggering warnings at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, prompting authorities to hoist cyclone warning signals at nine major ports across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that the system is expected to strengthen significantly, potentially evolving into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The Path of the Storm: Timeline and Trajectory
The weather system first formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24. According to the IMD, the system has been following a steady path of intensification:
- October 24: Intensified into a depression.
- October 25: Projected to strengthen into a deep depression.
- October 26: Expected to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
- October 28: Likely to reach the west-central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra explained that the system will move west-northwestwards, eventually approaching the North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts. At the time of the initial formation, wind speeds were recorded between 35 to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph.
Landfall Forecast and Wind Speeds
The IMD predicts that the system will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, around the forenoon of October 28. The impact is expected to be severe, with wind speeds likely ranging between 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph at the time of landfall.
High Alert at Ports and Coastal Regions
In response to the escalating threat, cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine key ports to ensure maritime safety. These include:
- Chennai
- Nagapattinam
- Cuddalore
- Karaikal
- Pamban
- Thoothukudi
Puducherry Battling Heavy Rains and Waterlogging
While the storm prepares to hit Andhra Pradesh, the effects are already being felt in Puducherry and surrounding areas. The region has witnessed continuous rainfall since Saturday night, fueled by an active northeast monsoon.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Karaikal, Puducherry, and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu. This has already led to significant waterlogging in urban centers, including:
- Coast Road
- Krishna Nagar
- Laspet Sarum
The accumulated water has caused widespread inconvenience for residents, who have called upon the Puducherry government to implement immediate drainage measures to alleviate the flooding in these areas.