digantsharma India’s eastern coastline is bracing for impact as Cyclone Varun, a severe cyclonic storm forming over the Bay of Bengal, edges closer to land. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for coastal regions of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh, with landfall expected late on May 16, 2025.
Currently categorized as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, Cyclone Varun is packing winds up to 110–120 km/h, with gusts reaching 135 km/h. It is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding in low-lying coastal districts. Local authorities and disaster management teams are on high alert, preparing for evacuation and emergency response.
🌊 Areas Under Threat
The following districts are expected to be most affected:
- Odisha: Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, and Kendrapara
- Andhra Pradesh: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam
Fishermen have been advised to not venture into the sea, and ports have been instructed to halt operations until further notice. The IMD has also warned of storm surges up to 1.5 meters that could inundate low-lying areas along the coast.
🚨 Emergency Response and Evacuation
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed over 25 teams across both states, equipped with boats, satellite communication, and rescue gear. Local administrations have initiated the evacuation of more than 50,000 people from vulnerable coastal villages to cyclone shelters and higher ground.
Essential services like electricity, internet, and mobile networks may be disrupted temporarily. The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged residents to follow local advisories, stock essential supplies, and avoid unnecessary travel.
🧑🌾 Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
Cyclone Varun’s timing is particularly worrisome for farmers. The coastal belt is currently in the pre-kharif stage, with land preparation and seed procurement underway. Heavy rains and flooding could delay the sowing season and damage stored seeds and inputs. In some areas, standing summer crops like vegetables and groundnut are also at risk.
The Agriculture Ministry has alerted Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to assess post-cyclone damage and assist farmers in recovery. Crop insurance beneficiaries under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) are encouraged to report damages promptly through the mobile app or nearest agriculture office.
📢 Government Advisory
Citizens in affected regions are advised to:
- Stay indoors during the landfall window
- Charge devices and store clean drinking water
- Keep emergency kits ready (medicines, food, torch, power banks)
- Follow updates via IMD, NDMA, and local media
Real-time cyclone tracking is available on the Mausam and Meghdoot apps, offering localized alerts and impact forecasts.
