Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for heavy rainfall and strong winds as a Deep Depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast.
Representational Image
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September 23, bringing intense rainfall to several coastal and southern districts of Odisha.
The system has been moving westwards and travelled at a speed of around 7 kmph during the six hours preceding 11:30 pm on September 22, according to the IMD.
System Positioned Close to Coast
At 11:30 pm on September 22, the Deep Depression was centred near 18.0°N latitude and 85.0°E longitude over the Bay of Bengal.
It was located approximately 100 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, around 150 km south of Gopalpur and about 220 km south-southwest of Puri. The system was also around 180 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam.
The weather system is expected to continue its west-northwestward movement before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast.
Winds Could Reach 75 Kmph
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said wind speeds could reach 55-65 kmph, with gusts of up to 75 kmph, around the time of landfall.
Such conditions could damage small trees and branches and affect standing crops, particularly paddy and vegetables. Vulnerable structures, including old tin-roofed, thatched and mud houses, could also face damage.
Authorities have been advised to remain alert in areas likely to experience the strongest winds and rainfall.
Heavy Rain to Continue in Interior Odisha
The Deep Depression is expected to produce heavy rainfall across coastal and southern Odisha, with prolonged rain potentially triggering waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Continuous rainfall may also increase the possibility of landslides in hilly and vulnerable areas, particularly in southern districts.
While rainfall activity is expected to continue over interior Odisha on September 24, the IMD has forecast a gradual reduction in rainfall intensity from September 25.
Residents Advised to Stay Alert
With the system approaching the coast, residents in affected areas have been advised to monitor official weather updates and follow instructions issued by local administrations.
People living in vulnerable structures and landslide-prone areas have also been urged to exercise caution as the Deep Depression makes its way towards the coast.