Deep Depression To Cross Odisha-Andhra Coast, Heavy Rain Forecast
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern and coastal Odisha, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places.
Odisha stepped up its preparedness on Tuesday as a depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified and was forecast to become a deep depression before crossing the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, bringing the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system was located about 220 km from Gopalpur and 320 km from Visakhapatnam and was likely to intensify further over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23 and early hours of September 24.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern and coastal Odisha, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places. A red alert has been issued for Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam for September 23-24, while Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri are under red alert for September 24-25.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said collectors of 11 districts had been put on high alert, with officials asked to prepare for waterlogging, urban flooding, landslides and mudslides. Cyclone and flood shelters have been kept ready and arrangements made for evacuation, rescue and relief operations, if required.
Schools in Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati remained closed on Tuesday, while Malkangiri has ordered closure of schools till September 24. Anganwadi centres in affected areas have also been shut.
The government has cancelled leave of employees in vulnerable districts and directed officials to remain at their places of posting. Vehicular movement has been restricted along vulnerable stretches, including Kalinga Ghat, while ferry services between Satapada and Jahnikuda in Chilika have been suspended till September 25.
The water resources department is monitoring reservoirs and rivers in southern Odisha. The Indravati reservoir, currently holding about 84 per cent of its capacity, is being closely watched along with the Telengiri project and other vulnerable infrastructure.
Squally weather with winds gusting up to 75 kmph is likely along and off the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts on September 23 and 24, the IMD said.