Weather Alert / Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain; Chief Secretary Reviews Preparedness

Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Monday chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan here to review the State’s preparedness for the Bay of Bengal weather system, which is expected to intensify into a deep depression and trigger heavy rainfall across 11 districts, officials said.

The meeting was attended by the Special Relief Commissioner, the Regional Meteorological Centre Director, the Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department, the Director General of Fire Services, and the Additional Director General of Law and Order. District Collectors from vulnerable areas joined via video conferencing to share ground-level updates.

Officials said that the system is unlikely to develop into a severe cyclone, but heavy showers are forecast from Tuesday, with intense spells likely on September 23 and 24. The State government has directed district collectors, particularly in coastal and southern Odisha, to remain on high alert. Control rooms have been ordered to open in all districts, while a 24-hour emergency cell has begun operations at the SRC office.

Instructions have also been issued to prepare flood and cyclone shelters, relocate vulnerable groups including pregnant women, and deploy man-machines in waterlogging-prone areas. The Water Resources Department has been asked to review reservoir capacities, with specific directions to release water from Indravati and Telengiri dams. Balimela and Kolab reservoirs, however, currently hold manageable levels.

Fishing activities have been suspended from Monday, with advisories issued to fishermen against venturing into the sea. District authorities have been instructed to monitor sensitive areas for potential flooding over the next two days.
Also Read: Bay of Bengal Depression Likely to Hit South Odisha

“The system will not take the shape of a major cyclone, but heavy rainfall is expected across several districts. All precautionary measures are being taken to ensure safety,” Chief Secretary Anu Garg said after the review meeting.

With the depression set to cross the Odisha coast, the next 48 hours remain critical for disaster management authorities. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate risks and safeguard communities in vulnerable regions.