Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, Odisha was hit by heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, causing waterlogging and damage in various locations as a deep depression made landfall along the North Andhra Pradesh coast.
After its arrival near Kalingapatnam, the deep depression has settled over the region, delivering high winds and intense rainfall, especially across southern and coastal parts of Odisha. This weather pattern is expected to persist.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system made landfall between 11 PM on September 23 and 1 AM on September 24, with maximum sustained winds reaching 55-65 km/h and gusts hitting 75 km/h.
Forecasts indicate the deep depression will continue its north-westward movement while retaining its strength for the next 12 hours. Following this, it is expected to shift north-north-westward and gradually weaken over the next 24 hours.
As a result of this system, numerous coastal and nearby areas experienced heavy rainfall along with gusty winds. The sea conditions in the affected regions remain rough. The intense rainfall and winds associated with the landfall have led to significant waterlogging in various low-lying areas.
Bhubaneswar, the state capital, was severely impacted, recording 101 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, which caused extensive waterlogging across multiple locations.
Major roads were submerged as rainwater could not drain effectively. Reports indicated knee-deep water on the route between Master Canteen and Rajmahal Square, as well as on the road linking Rajmahal to the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell. The resulting waterlogging disrupted traffic flow, leading authorities to reroute vehicles away from Rajmahal through AG Square.
Residents in the coastal and southern districts of Odisha, along with adjacent areas of Andhra Pradesh, have been advised to stay vigilant for strong winds, heavy to very heavy rainfall, and possible flooding or disruptions in low-lying regions.
The IMD noted that moderate to heavy rainfall continued throughout the night in various parts of South Odisha. The weather agency has stated that the ongoing influence of the deep depression close to the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border is likely to result in intermittent to continuous rainfall, particularly in the southern districts. Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures.
Fishermen have been warned against going out to sea until conditions improve. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
A rainfall warning has been issued for the next two days, with heavy rain anticipated from the southern to the western and northern regions of the state today. A red alert has been declared for Nabarangapur district due to the potential for extremely heavy rainfall.
Additionally, six districts — Bargada, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Malkangiri — are under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain. A yellow warning has also been issued for nine other districts — Balasore, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Kandhamal, and Rayagada — indicating a likelihood of heavy rainfall.
The weather department has warned that rainfall is expected across most parts of the state today, with particularly intense periods forecasted for the southern and western districts.
