The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has dismissed reports of an impending cyclone over Odisha, urging people not to panic over rumours circulating on social media. The weather agency said no cyclonic storm has been forecast for the state at this stage.
However, the IMD said a developing low-pressure system could bring heavy rainfall to several parts of Odisha over the coming days. The department is closely monitoring the system and will issue further updates if there are changes in its intensity or movement.
According to the weather department, a cyclonic circulation has formed over northern Thailand. It is expected to move towards the North Andaman Sea by the evening of September 18. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the region around September 19.
The system is then expected to gradually move west-northwestwards towards the coast of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. The IMD has indicated that the system could reach near the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coast around September 22.
The developing system is expected to cause heavy rainfall in several areas of Odisha. Authorities and residents in potentially affected districts are likely to remain watchful as the weather system develops.
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said there was currently no reason for people to panic. He clarified that the department had not predicted a cyclone over Odisha and that the system at present was expected to remain a low-pressure area capable of producing heavy rainfall.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation on social media about a possible cyclone approaching Odisha. The IMD has advised people to rely on official weather updates rather than unverified claims.
In its latest press release, the IMD said there is a possibility of an upper-air cyclonic circulation developing over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of Thailand around September 20. The system could subsequently move northwestwards as a cyclonic circulation or low-pressure area.
Weather conditions are expected to be monitored closely over the next few days as the system moves towards the eastern coast. Its eventual strength, movement and impact will become clearer as it develops.
For now, the key message from the weather department is that no cyclone has been forecast over Odisha, although heavy rainfall is possible in parts of the state due to the developing low-pressure system.
Residents are advised to follow official forecasts and warnings issued by the IMD and local authorities, particularly as the system approaches the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coastal region.
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