Bhubaneswar, Oct 2: Odisha is reeling under relentless rainfall as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal edges closer to the coast, officials said on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven districts, warning of extremely heavy downpour, while 16 districts are under orange alert and seven more under yellow alert. The state government has mobilized emergency response teams to manage the unfolding weather crisis.

Red Alert: Torrential Rainfall Expected

The IMD has placed Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal under red alert, forecasting rainfall exceeding 20 cm at isolated locations until Friday morning. These districts are expected to receive heavy to heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours.

Orange and Yellow Alerts Cover Remaining Districts

As many as 16 districts including Khordha, Cuttack, and Balasore are under orange alert, anticipating rainfall between 7 cm and 20 cm. Seven western districts have also been issued yellow alerts, with rainfall expected between 7 cm and 11 cm.

Also Read: Odisha Braces For Heavy Rain Due To Fresh Low Pressure Over Bay Of Bengal

Depression Movement and Coastal Impact

The deep depression, moving north-northwest at 13 kmph, was centered 160 km south-southeast of Gopalpur and 200 km south of Puri at 8:30 AM. It is likely to cross the Odisha-Andhra coast between Gopalpur and Paradip by Thursday night. Squally winds reaching 75 kmph are expected over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the IMD to advise fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea until October 3.

Government Response and Safety Measures

In response to the IMD warnings, the Odisha government has deployed ODRAF personnel and equipment in vulnerable districts. Ports have been instructed to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No-III.

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