Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): Odisha has intensified its disaster preparedness as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to strengthen into a deep depression and cross the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur between the night of September 23 and early hours of September 24.
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The state government has deployed 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams across vulnerable districts, while another nine teams have been kept in reserve at the ODRAF unit of the OSAP 8th Battalion in Chhatrapur, Ganjam.
33 ODRAF Teams Mobilised
Of the teams deployed in vulnerable areas, six each have been stationed in Ganjam and Koraput, while Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada have received three teams each. Two teams have been positioned in Kalahandi and one in Bolangir.
The remaining nine teams have been kept on standby for rapid deployment depending on the evolving weather situation.
District administrations have been directed to identify vulnerable locations, keep cyclone and flood shelters ready and stock essential supplies. Special attention has been given to landslide-prone areas in Gajapati, Rayagada, Ganjam, Koraput and Malkangiri.
Heavy Rain Forecast In South Odisha
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression was located around 200 km southeast of Gopalpur at 8:30 am on Tuesday and was moving westwards at about 18 kmph.
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours before crossing the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur.
South Odisha is likely to receive widespread rain on September 23 and 24, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Red warnings have been issued for Gajapati, Ganjam and Koraput for September 23 and 24. A red warning is also in place for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri for September 24 and 25.
Officials Told To Maintain Round-The-Clock Vigil
The Chief Secretary reviewed preparedness on September 21 with senior officials, including the Special Relief Commissioner, Director of Fire Services, Health and Family Welfare Department, Water Resources Department, police and collectors of southern districts.
Fire Services personnel have been kept ready, while health authorities have been asked to ensure preparedness at medical facilities. The Water Resources Department is monitoring rainfall, reservoir inflows and dam water levels.
The latest flood bulletin indicated that major rivers in southern Odisha were flowing below their respective danger levels as of Tuesday morning.
Strong Winds, Rough Sea Expected
Wind speeds along the South Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts are expected to increase as the system approaches. Gusts could reach 70 kmph on Tuesday, while winds over the sea may strengthen further to 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, between September 23 and the evening of September 24.
Sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the west-central, adjoining northwest and southwest Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal coasts until September 24.
The state government has asked people to remain alert, avoid low-lying and waterlogged areas and follow advisories issued by the IMD and local authorities. Senior officials and district administrations have also been instructed to remain at their headquarters and maintain close watch as the system approaches the coast.