Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for 11 Districts in Odisha
Odisha braces for heavy rainfall as the IMD issues alerts for 11 districts due to a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Bhubaneswar, September 21 (Udaipur Kiran) : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha due to a deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal. On Monday, Chief Secretary Anu Garg dismissed concerns about a cyclone, stating that the IMD had indicated the possibility of a deep depression instead.
During a review meeting with collectors from 11 districts likely to be affected, Garg emphasized the need for preparedness. She informed the media that the IMD expects significant rainfall starting Tuesday, with the intensity likely to increase over the next two days.
Garg stated, “The IMD has confirmed that there is no cyclone expected, but rather a deep depression that will lead to heavy rainfall.” Following the IMD’s warning, she conducted a virtual meeting with district collectors, urging them to maintain high alertness and remain at their headquarters.
Collectors have been instructed to prepare flood and relief centers, ensure sufficient stock of essential supplies, activate control rooms, and deploy nodal officers. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have also been directed to stay ready and identify sensitive areas prone to flooding, including vulnerable bridges.
Additionally, the health department will coordinate with Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers to ensure the availability of necessary medical supplies. Collectors are tasked with identifying pregnant women due for delivery during this period and arranging for their safe relocation.
Meanwhile, Manorama Mohanty, director of IMD Bhubaneswar, stated that the system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to transform into a deep depression and move towards the northern Andhra Pradesh-southern Odisha coast. It is anticipated to reach this area around the morning of September 23.
Mohanty noted that the most significant impact of this system is likely to occur on September 23 and 24, after which a considerable reduction in rainfall is expected. The Waterways Management Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts, particularly in southern Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, where extreme rainfall is anticipated in the coming days.
Fishermen have also been advised to return to shore by the evening of September 21 and to refrain from venturing into the sea from September 22 to 24.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.