Odisha Steps Up Preparedness as Deep Depression Triggers Heavy Rain Alert

Odisha has intensified its disaster preparedness as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to several parts of the state. The system is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September 23.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system, which had developed from a well-marked low-pressure area, intensified into a depression and was expected to strengthen further into a deep depression within 24 hours. At 5.30 pm, it was located around 310 km southeast of Puri.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the preparedness with senior officials, with collectors of 11 districts attending the meeting virtually. District administrations were directed to keep cyclone and flood shelters ready and ensure that adequate personnel and emergency equipment were positioned in vulnerable areas.
Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan said officials had inspected several cyclone shelters and were informing residents about the approaching weather system.
Authorities in coastal districts, including Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara, are using public address systems to warn fishermen against venturing into the sea until September 24. Fishermen already at sea have been advised to return to shore.
The IMD has issued red alerts for several districts in southern Odisha between September 23 and 25. Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations on September 23 and 24. Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri are under red alert for September 24-25.

IMD Bhubaneswar centre director Manorama Mohanty said rainfall had already begun in parts of Odisha and could continue through September 25.
According to the IMD, squally winds of 55-65 kmph, with gusts up to 75 kmph, are expected along and off the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts from September 23 morning to September 24 evening.
Chief Secretary Garg said the system was forecast to remain a deep depression rather than intensify into a cyclonic storm. She said the state had deployed the necessary manpower and machinery to deal with heavy rainfall and strong winds, adding that the primary concern was expected to be rainfall rather than severe winds.