Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised fishermen operating in the Bay of Bengal to return to shore by the morning of October 24 as a developing cyclonic system is expected to approach the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts on October 28.
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The warning comes amid forecasts of progressively worsening sea conditions across several parts of the Bay of Bengal over the next few days. Fishermen have been urged to follow the advisory and avoid venturing into the sea in the affected areas.
Sea Conditions Likely to Deteriorate
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to experience moderate to rough sea conditions on October 23.
The sea is forecast to become rough to very rough over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24. By October 25, conditions are expected to worsen further, becoming very rough to high over the central Bay.
From the morning of October 26 to October 28, high to very high sea conditions are likely over the westcentral and adjoining eastcentral and northwest Bay of Bengal.
Along and off the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts, rough to very rough seas are forecast between October 27 and 28.
Fishing Operations Restricted in Affected Areas
In view of the deteriorating conditions, the IMD has advised all fishermen currently at sea to return to the coast by the morning of October 24.
Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from the evening of October 23 through October 26.
The advisory further prohibits fishing in the westcentral and adjoining northwest and southwest Bay of Bengal from October 26 to 28. Fishermen have also been asked to stay away from sea areas along and off the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts from October 27 to 28.
Fishermen Urged to Prioritise Safety
The developing cyclonic system is being monitored as it moves over the Bay of Bengal, with its expected approach towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts on October 28 raising concerns over maritime safety.
The IMD has urged fishermen and other members of the fishing community to take the warnings seriously and comply with the prescribed restrictions to avoid being caught in hazardous sea conditions.
Fishermen are advised to remain alert and follow official weather updates as the system develops and further advisories are issued.