As Cyclonic Storm 'Bulbul' churns toward the Indian mainland, Chhattisgarh is bracing for its most severe weather in years. By October 28, 2025, the state’s capital, Raipur, could see rainfall exceeding 21 centimeters — the kind that turns streets into rivers and knocks out power for days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on October 27, 2025, warning of thundersqualls with wind gusts up to 70 km/h. This isn’t just another monsoon spell. It’s a cyclone, born in the Bay of Bengal, now moving northwest with terrifying momentum.
Why Chhattisgarh? The Unlikely Target
Most cyclones hug the coasts — Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu. But Cyclonic Storm 'Bulbul' is different. Its track, predicted by IMD models, curves sharply inland after forming off the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 24, 2025. By October 27, it’s expected to be a well-organized storm, and by the 28th, it’s dumping rain directly over central India. Raipur, normally shielded by distance from the sea, is now in the crosshairs. The IMD’s district-wise warning map shows Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur as high-risk zones. Even the hills of Bastar aren’t safe.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s put this in perspective. In a normal October, Chhattisgarh gets about 12–15 cm of rain total. This storm could dump more than that in a single day. The IMD’s forecast includes:
- Extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) at isolated places on October 28, 2025
- Wind speeds of 60–70 km/h on October 28, dropping to 50–60 km/h on October 29
- Thunderstorms with lightning across the state for five consecutive days
- Similar conditions in Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
And it’s not just rain. The United States Embassy in New Delhi issued a rare weather alert on October 27, 2025, warning of “flooding potential” from October 29 to 31 — a signal that even foreign missions see this as serious.
What Authorities Are Saying
“October is generally considered a cyclone-prone month. There is no need to panic,” said S. Balachandran, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai. But his calm tone masks urgency. Behind the scenes, state disaster response teams are mobilizing. Emergency shelters are being readied in schools and community halls. Power distribution companies are deploying repair crews in advance. In Raipur, the municipal corporation has cleared drainage channels and deployed sandbags near low-lying areas like the Mahant Nagar and Naya Raipur zones.
Still, the real challenge lies in the hills. In Bastar, where roads are narrow and villages scattered, evacuation plans are harder to execute. Local officials say they’ve started door-to-door warnings in 17 villages, using village heads and mobile loudspeaker vans. “We’ve seen what happens when people wait,” said one district officer, speaking off-record. “Last year’s floods in Surguja took three lives. We won’t let that happen again.”
Who Else Is Affected?
Chhattisgarh isn’t alone. The storm’s outer bands are already drenching Tamil Nadu’s North Coast. An orange alert is active in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are bracing for very heavy rain on October 28. Even western India isn’t spared — Saurashtra and Kutch could see ≥21 cm of rain on October 27. In Uttar Pradesh, eastern districts like Ballia and Lucknow will get heavy showers, while the west stays dry. The system is a wide-spectrum threat, not a localized one.
What’s Next? The Uncertain Path
Forecast accuracy drops as the timeline stretches, the IMD warns. By October 30, the storm could weaken into a deep depression, but its remnants may still dump rain over Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The real danger window? October 27 to November 1. That’s when infrastructure will be tested — bridges, power lines, railways. Railways have already suspended three trains running through Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Schools in Raipur and Bilaspur are closed from October 28 to 30.
And here’s the twist: last month’s rains in Uttar Pradesh flooded Mathura and Noida. But those were monsoon-fed, slow-moving events. This? This is a cyclone. Faster. Stronger. More unpredictable.
Why This Matters to You
If you live in central India, this isn’t abstract weather news. It’s a countdown. One heavy downpour can flood basements, collapse roofs, and cut off electricity for days. If you’re in a hilly area, landslides are a real threat. Even if you’re not in the heaviest zone, power outages and transport disruptions will ripple through supply chains — food, medicine, fuel. The IMD’s advice is clear: “Action may be taken based on ORANGE AND RED COLOUR warnings.” Don’t wait for red. When orange hits, prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is the wind speed forecast for Chhattisgarh?
Wind speeds of 60–70 km/h are classified as ‘very strong’ — enough to uproot trees, damage weak roofs, and knock down power lines. In Raipur, where many homes have tin roofs and older electrical wiring, this could lead to widespread outages. The IMD compares these winds to those seen during the 2020 Cyclone Nisarga in Maharashtra, which caused ₹2,800 crore in damage. Residents are advised to secure loose objects and avoid travel during peak gust hours — typically 4 PM to 9 PM.
Why is Raipur at risk despite being far from the coast?
Unlike typical cyclones that weaken over land, 'Bulbul' is forming in a region with unusually warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear — conditions that allow it to retain strength as it moves inland. The storm’s core is expected to track directly over Chhattisgarh, funneling moisture from the Bay of Bengal deep into central India. This is rare but not unprecedented — the 2019 Cyclone Fani also caused heavy rain in Chhattisgarh, though not as intense.
What should residents do right now?
Keep an emergency kit ready: water (3 liters per person), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid, and essential medicines. Charge all devices. Avoid low-lying areas and riverbanks. If you live in a flood-prone neighborhood, register with local authorities for evacuation assistance. Check the IMD’s district-wise warning portal — it’s updated every three hours. Don’t rely on social media rumors.
Are schools and hospitals prepared?
Yes. The Chhattisgarh Health Department has activated 12 emergency response teams in high-risk districts. Hospitals in Raipur and Durg have secured backup generators and extra oxygen supplies. Schools are closed until November 1, and many have been converted into temporary shelters. The state government has allocated ₹15 crore for immediate relief, including food packets and tarpaulins. Mobile medical units are on standby for remote villages.
Could this storm become stronger than expected?
It’s possible. Sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal are 1.5°C above average, and atmospheric moisture levels are at record highs. If 'Bulbul' stalls over the region — a scenario the IMD hasn’t ruled out — rainfall could exceed 30 cm in some pockets. That’s a 1-in-50-year event. The state’s disaster management team is monitoring satellite imagery hourly. Red alerts may be issued if conditions worsen.
How does this compare to last year’s monsoon?
Last year’s rainfall in Chhattisgarh was 12% above normal, but spread evenly over weeks. This event is concentrated — 21 cm in 24 hours. It’s more like 2020’s Cyclone Nivar, which caused ₹4,000 crore in damage in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The difference? This one’s hitting a region less prepared for cyclonic impacts. Infrastructure here isn’t built for 70 km/h winds — that’s why the IMD’s warning is so urgent.
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