Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is set to witness another spell of intense rainfall as a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Red Warnings for several districts.
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The weather system is expected to trigger extremely heavy rainfall between September 23 and 25, particularly across southern and interior parts of the state.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday said the state government is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and has directed district administrations in the vulnerable areas to remain prepared.
Red Alert for Southern Odisha
The IMD has placed Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam under a Red Warning for September 23 and 24.
For September 24 and 25, the Red Warning will be in effect for Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
District Collectors in the affected areas have been asked to maintain close vigil and take precautionary measures in view of the possibility of extremely heavy rain and related incidents.
The weather system could also bring difficult conditions to several other parts of southern Odisha, with authorities keeping a close watch on rainfall, water levels and possible localised flooding.
System May Cross Coast
According to Minister Pujari, the Deep Depression could cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, with the likely landfall period falling between the night of September 23 and the morning of September 24.
Despite the rainfall threat, there is currently no major concern regarding river levels in southern Odisha, the minister said. The Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers are reportedly flowing below their respective danger marks.
Sea to Remain Rough
The IMD has also warned of deteriorating sea conditions. The sea is expected to remain rough to very rough over the central Bay of Bengal and later over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts, through September 24.
Fishermen and others engaged in marine activities have been advised to exercise caution and follow official weather advisories.
With the Red Warning covering multiple districts over the next two days, the state administration has stepped up preparedness measures. Residents in the warned areas have been urged to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and follow instructions issued by local authorities.