Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: The deep depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal continued to move slowly towards the coast on Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintaining close watch on the weather system.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the system moved westwards at a speed of 5 kmph during the past six hours. It remained centred over the same region, near latitude 18.0°N and longitude 84.6°E.
The system was located around 60 km southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 140 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam, 150 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha and approximately 240 km south-southwest of Puri.
The IMD said the deep depression is very likely to move west-northwestwards during the next few hours. It is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, by Wednesday night. The system is likely to cross the coast while retaining its intensity as a deep depression.
The approaching system has raised concerns over rainfall and adverse weather conditions in coastal and southern Odisha. Several districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, while strong winds and rough sea conditions may affect coastal areas.
Authorities in vulnerable districts have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures in view of the anticipated landfall. The movement and intensity of the system are being continuously monitored by the IMD.
The weather system’s slow movement towards the coast has also prompted the state administration to review preparedness, particularly in districts expected to receive intense rainfall. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official weather warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.
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