Major Bay of Bengal Cyclone ‘Senyar’ Alerts Hit Andaman & Coastal States

A deepening low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has triggered alerts for the upcoming cyclone ‘Senyar’, with the main keyword “cyclone Senyar Bay of Bengal” signalling an evolving severe weather event. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and adjoining coastal states ahead of heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Formation and trajectory of the weather system

The IMD has identified a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal that is likely to intensify into a depression by around 24 November and subsequently become a cyclonic storm named ‘Senyar’. The system is currently spawning heavy rainfall over islands and generating rough sea conditions in the Andaman Sea.
This development is significant because it signals one of the later-season cyclones, at a time when sea surface temperatures remain elevated and atmospheric conditions may favour rapid intensification. The naming of ‘Senyar’ follows the roster of pre-approved cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean region.

Alerts and prepared measures for coastal and island regions

Heavy to very heavy rainfall of 7 to 20 cm is forecast for parts of Nicobar Island, while 7 to 11 cm is expected over Andaman Island in the next 24-48 hours. Thunderstorms, gusty winds of 40-50 km/h (gusting to 55 km/h), and elevated sea state are also forecast. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore until at least 23 November, inter-island ferry services may be suspended, and coastal residents in low-lying areas are being warned of high waves and storm surge potential.
These measures illustrate the IMD’s shift from monitoring to proactive alerts, aimed at minimizing risk to life and infrastructure. For tourism and local economies in the islands, these disruptions could impact vessel movement and visitor activity.

Potential impact on mainland coastal states

While initial warnings cover the Andaman & Nicobar region, the storm’s projected west-northwest track raises risk for mainland states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. If ‘Senyar’ strengthens and pushes further, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, strong winds and disruption of maritime services could follow. Local administrations are likely to initiate preparations including evacuation of vulnerable zones, suspension of port operations and mobilization of disaster response teams.
Monitoring of sea surface temperatures, upper air wind shear and oceanic heat content will determine intensity. Given past episodes in the Bay of Bengal where storms intensified rapidly close to coast, early warnings are critical.

Sector-specific vulnerabilities and response readiness

Marine and coastal sectors face immediate risks: rough seas, high waves, suspended shipping and damage to fishing vessels and coastal infrastructure. Tourism in the islands and along Tamil‐Nadu/Andhra coast may face cancellations and vessel curtailments. Agriculture in low coastal districts may face flash flooding and crop damage due to heavy downpours and wind. Power and telecommunications lines in vulnerable coastal communities may be impacted by gusty winds and saturated soils.
State disaster authorities are putting measures in place: pre-positioning relief supplies, checking drainage systems, readying evacuation shelters and coordinating with meteorological bulletins to update communities in real time.

What to watch and what the public should do

The key indicators to monitor include: the system’s intensification rate, projected landfall zone, rainfall distribution and storm surge projections. Residents in coastal and island regions should follow official advisories, avoid venturing into sea or low-lying coastal zones, secure loose objects, keep emergency kits ready and ensure that communication devices are charged. For travelers in the Andaman & Nicobar region, itinerary revisions and cancellations may become necessary given ferry or vessel suspensions.
Preparedness matters: past cyclones in the region have shown that early action significantly reduces casualties and damage. Despite the name and track still evolving, the time to act is now.

Takeaways

• A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Senyar, prompting heavy-rain and sea alerts for the Andaman & Nicobar region.
• Coastal states on the mainland such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha face potential risk if the system tracks west-northwest.
• Marine, tourism, agriculture and coastal infrastructure sectors are all vulnerable; proactive measures are underway.
• Residents and travellers should heed advisories, avoid sea ventures, secure property and stay prepared for dynamic weather changes.

FAQs

Q: What does the name ‘Senyar’ mean and why is it used?
A: ‘Senyar’ is part of a pre-approved list of names for cyclonic storms in the North Indian Ocean, contributed by member countries under the World Meteorological Organisation framework.
Q: Which areas are currently under alert for Cyclone Senyar?
A: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have heavy rainfall and gusty wind alerts; mainland coastal states are on watch for potential extension of impact if the storm tracks further west-northwest.
Q: What actions should someone on a boat or involved in maritime activities take now?
A: They should stay in port or ashore, avoid venturing into the sea until official all-clear is issued, monitor sea state warnings and have contingency plans for vessel mooring or evacuation.
Q: How much time do coastal residents have to prepare?
A: While the timing of landfall is not fixed, preparations should begin immediately because the system may intensify rapidly. Residents should secure property, keep emergency kits ready and follow local authority updates.