Weather Alert / Odisha on Alert as Deep Depression Nears Coast

Bhubaneswar, Sep 22: Odisha is bracing for extremely heavy rainfall as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves steadily towards the state’s coast.

While the system is unlikely to intensify into a cyclone, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe weather conditions over the next two days.

The depression, currently located about 200 km southeast of Gopalpur and Puri, and 210 km east of Visakhapatnam, has been moving northwest at a speed of 18 km per hour over the past six hours.

Also read: Odisha Braces For Rain Fury As Low-Pressure System Intensifies

Forecasts suggest it will strengthen into a deep depression within 12 hours and cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur late on September 23 or early September 24. Wind speeds during landfall are expected to reach 55–65 kmph.

From Tuesday, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is predicted across several districts. Red alerts have been issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput, where thunderstorms and winds of 50-60 kmph are likely.

Orange alerts are in place for Puri, Khordha, Nayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri, while yellow alerts cover a wide swathe of districts including Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kataka, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Baleshwar.

On September 23, the focus shifts further west and south. Red alerts have been extended to Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Malkangiri, while orange alerts remain for Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Balangir, Sonepur, Nuapada, and Rayagada. Yellow alerts continue for districts in coastal and northern Odisha.

In the past 24 hours, seven locations recorded heavy rainfall, with Kendrapada district receiving the highest at 78 mm. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, as waterlogging, flash floods, and disruption to transport are possible.

With the system expected to cross the coast within 48 hours, Odisha’s disaster management teams are on alert, and the administration has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.