The Indian Coast Guard has increased preparedness along India’s east coast after a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal showed the potential to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Ships, aircraft and disaster response teams have been kept ready for deployment, according to a PIB defence wing release issued on Saturday.
The weather system was detected on 13 November 2026. The Coast Guard is maintaining surveillance through its radar stations and has stepped up patrols to relay weather warnings and safety instructions to fishermen, merchant vessels and other mariners operating in the area.
Ships and aircraft kept ready for response
Remote Operating Stations in Chennai and other coastal locations are broadcasting advisories in regional languages over Very High Frequency (VHF) channels. Vessels at anchorage have been cautioned, while port authorities are being informed so that precautionary steps can be taken before conditions deteriorate.
| Readiness area | Action reported |
|---|---|
| At sea | Coast Guard ships and aircraft on standby |
| Surveillance | Radar stations maintaining continuous watch |
| Mariner safety | Warnings and advisories relayed through patrols and VHF channels |
| Land response | Disaster Response Teams constituted along three coastal areas |
The Coast Guard has constituted Disaster Response Teams along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. These teams are intended for immediate deployment if the system worsens. The force said its deployed ships and aircraft are prepared to undertake search and rescue, evacuation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations at short notice.
Coordination with coastal authorities
The response involves coordination between the Coast Guard, civil administrations, port authorities and other maritime stakeholders. Such coordination is important during a developing weather event because warnings must reach fishing communities, ships at sea and vessels waiting at anchorage before sea conditions become hazardous.
- Fishermen and mariners: receiving safety advisories and weather warnings through patrols and VHF broadcasts.
- Ports: being kept informed so precautionary measures can be taken in time.
- Emergency agencies: supported by Coast Guard ships, aircraft and land-based response teams.
The Coast Guard’s readiness covers both maritime surveillance and disaster response. Its ships and aircraft are being held for possible rescue or evacuation missions, while the deployment of teams in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh provides a land-based response capability if coastal areas are affected.
The preparedness measures remain precautionary because the low-pressure area may intensify into a cyclonic storm; the PIB defence wing release did not state that a cyclone had already formed. Until the system’s development becomes clearer, the Coast Guard is continuing monitoring, issuing advisories and coordinating with authorities across the affected east-coast region.
