Bhubaneswar: The well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday, with the system expected to strengthen further into a cyclonic storm by October 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The developing weather system has prompted the Odisha government to step up preparedness measures, placing all 30 districts on alert and identifying 16 districts for special monitoring due to their potential vulnerability.

According to the IMD, the low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday. It intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and lay over the same region at 5.30 am on Saturday.

The system is likely to persist over the region and intensify into a depression during the day.

Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression on October 25. The system is expected to develop further into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.

Moving in a west-northwestward direction, the system is likely to intensify further and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28.

Odisha Government steps up cyclone preparedness

In view of the evolving weather situation, the Odisha government has intensified its preparedness to deal with a possible cyclone.

All 30 districts have been placed on alert, while 16 districts likely to be more vulnerable to the developing system are being closely monitored.

The government has cancelled leave for officers and employees to ensure their availability for emergency response and relief operations.

District collectors have been authorised to decide on the closure of schools and colleges based on the prevailing weather conditions and the local situation.

ODRAF, NDRF teams kept ready

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services personnel have been kept ready to undertake rescue, evacuation and relief operations if required.

Meanwhile, fishermen still at sea have been advised to return to the coast by Saturday in view of the developing weather system and the possibility of deteriorating sea conditions.

Authorities are closely monitoring the system's movement and intensification. Further decisions on precautionary measures will depend on subsequent IMD forecasts and the evolving weather situation.