Deep depression to bring intense rainfall to Odisha: IMD issues alerts

Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: Over the next 48 hours, several regions in Odisha are expected to experience heavy rainfall due to a deep depression forming in the Bay of Bengal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a low-pressure system over the west-central and adjacent northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression as of Monday. The current wind speed is 7 kmph, and it is anticipated to increase, making landfall along the Puri coast by noon. This system is projected to bring significant rainfall to five districts, prompting a yellow alert for 12 districts today. Coastal and interior Odisha should prepare for heavy rains later in the day.

The deep depression is advancing towards north Odisha and West Bengal, with an expected crossing between Puri and Digha by Monday noon. IMD forecasts that the heaviest impacts will be felt on Monday and Tuesday. Heavy rains, ranging from 70 mm to 200 mm, are expected in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal. An orange alert has been issued for districts including Ganjam, Koraput, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Bargarh, Boudh, Sonpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Sambalpur, Angul, and Nayagarh, which may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The intense rains could lead to landslides in hilly areas, damage to kutcha roads and houses, and waterlogging in both villages and urban areas. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has advised fishermen to avoid going to sea and has instructed district administrations to prepare for potential emergencies.

Residents in low-lying areas are advised to move to higher ground if heavy rains occur. Field engineers have been asked to monitor river embankments closely, while municipal authorities are to address drainage issues promptly. The fire service and ODRAF teams are on standby.

Rainfall is expected to continue on Tuesday, with heavy to very heavy rain likely in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur, as well as heavy rain in Bargarh, Sonepur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Angul, and Boudh. There may also be heavy rain in parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh on Wednesday.