Cyclone Alert for Odisha: Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure System May Intensify Into Cyclone Akvan

Odisha is on alert as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is gradually intensifying and may develop into a cyclonic storm in the coming days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area by November 14 and further develop into a depression by the morning of November 15.

Moving towards the north and northwest, the system may intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Akvan’, a name proposed by Iran.

The exact direction and potential landfall location are yet to be determined. However, the weather department has warned of possible rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds across several parts of Odisha.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Several Odisha Districts

According to the weather forecast, most parts of Odisha are likely to experience predominantly dry weather between November 13 and 17. However, several coastal districts, along with Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, may receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning, thunder and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Similarly, parts of coastal and interior Odisha may experience rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds. Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts are among the areas that may receive heavy rainfall.

Wind Speed May Reach 65 Kmph

Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said that it is too early to predict the exact direction of the developing system or identify its likely landfall location.

A clearer picture of its movement is expected once the system intensifies into a depression.

As a precautionary measure, the IMD has indicated the possibility of deteriorating weather conditions, particularly along the southern Odisha coast, on November 17. Wind speeds may reach 45–55 kmph, with gusts up to 65 kmph.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea during this period.

Meanwhile, there is no significant change expected in minimum temperatures across Odisha over the next five days. However, night temperatures may rise by 1–2 degrees Celsius from November 18.

High-Level Meeting to Review Cyclone Preparedness

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has started preparations to deal with the possible cyclone threat.

A high-level meeting will be held in the evening under the chairmanship of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. Disaster management officials from the India Meteorological Department will also participate in the meeting.

The government is closely monitoring the IMD reports to assess the possible intensity, movement and impact of the developing weather system.

Minister Suresh Pujari said that the government is studying the available meteorological reports to understand the possible trajectory and landfall location of the system.

He indicated that a clearer assessment of its movement and potential landfall area may emerge by Friday evening or Saturday.

As coastal districts could be affected, the administration has already been alerted to remain prepared.

Why Will the Possible Cyclone Be Named Akvan?

If the developing system intensifies into a cyclonic storm, it will be named ‘Akvan’. Iran has proposed this name under the regional cyclone naming system.

In Persian, the word Akvan refers to an evil-minded character or a demon.

However, the name will officially be used only if the low-pressure system develops into a cyclonic storm. At present, it remains a developing weather system, and further updates are expected from the IMD.

SRC Issues Alert to All District Collectors

Following the IMD’s forecast, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has issued an alert to all District Collectors across Odisha.

The SRC’s office has also alerted departmental secretaries, Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) and the Executive Director of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).

Officials have been instructed to remain prepared and take necessary precautionary measures to deal with any possible emergency.

With the weather system expected to intensify over the next few days, the Odisha government and disaster management authorities are closely monitoring its development. The exact impact on the state’s coastline will become clearer after further assessment by the IMD.