A deep depression that made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Thursday is anticipated to move north-northwest and gradually weaken, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD’s latest update indicated that the system will likely continue its north-northwest trajectory for the next 12 hours before slowly weakening thereafter.

This weather system has resulted in significant rainfall across various areas, leading to landslides, flooding, and waterlogging. Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been hit particularly hard, with parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand also receiving some rainfall.

While the IMD previously stated that the system was not expected to develop into a cyclone, had it intensified before landfall, it would have been named ‘Arnab,’ which translates to ‘ocean’ in Bengali.

The Met Department confirmed that the system is under constant observation by Doppler Weather Radars located in Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, and Raipur.

Impact of Heavy Rain in Odisha

Heavy rain linked to the deep depression has severely impacted various regions of Odisha, prompting the evacuation of over 8,000 individuals from vulnerable areas prone to landslides.

Multiple districts have reported incidents of landslides, flooding, uprooted trees, and damage to homes. Additionally, the overflowing rainwater has disrupted road connectivity and communication networks.

Train services faced interruptions due to landslides between Maligura and Chhatariput stations, leading to the cancellation of four trains as a safety measure and to allow for restoration efforts. Other trains were either short-terminated or short-originated, as reported by PTI.

Weather Alerts and Forecasts

The IMD has issued a red alert for Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi for Friday, along with an orange alert for Bolangir, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati.

Heavy rainfall is predicted in several areas including Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari mentioned that authorities are striving for a ‘zero casualty’ target set by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. “By noon, we have evacuated 8,082 people and the process is ongoing. District collectors have been instructed to relocate residents from waterlogged areas,” Pujari stated.

School Closures Across Odisha

In response to the ongoing heavy rain, schools in five districts of Odisha will remain closed on Friday. Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Koraput, and Rayagada are the districts affected, as reported by OdishaTV.

Andhra Pradesh Experiences Heavy Rain

The north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh has also faced significant rainfall following the deep depression’s landfall. Many roads and agricultural fields were inundated, and numerous trees were uprooted.

According to IMD data, Visakhapatnam experienced the highest rainfall, measuring 28 cm, while Koyyalagudem received 20 cm. Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, and Peddapuram each recorded 15 cm.

Forecast for Andhra Pradesh

Looking ahead to Friday, the IMD forecasts heavy rain in isolated areas of Alluri Sitaramaraju, NTR, and Eluru districts. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 40-50 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, while Rayalaseema may experience winds of 30-40 km/h, with gusts hitting 50 km/h.

Disruption from Flooding

Floodwaters have submerged key roads linking Anakapalli and Chodavaram, halting traffic, as shown in PTI videos. In the Parvatipuram Manyam district, several bodies of water overflowed after several days of persistent rain.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation, urging district administrations to stay alert. “Restore road connectivity immediately in areas affected by heavy water flow. Notify residents in regions at risk of landslides,” Naidu instructed in an official statement.

Deep Depression’s Movement

The IMD confirmed that the deep depression crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between 11 PM on Wednesday and 1 AM on Thursday. It moved west-northwestward at a speed of three km/h over the past six hours, crossing the coast near Kalingapatnam.

A deep depression is categorized as stronger than a standard depression but weaker than a cyclonic storm, according to the IMD.

Rainfall in Jharkhand and West Bengal

Jharkhand experienced light to moderate rainfall on Thursday due to the deep depression, prompting officials to issue a safety advisory for tourists at waterfalls. The IMD issued an orange alert for Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, and West Singhbhum, warning of heavy rain in isolated locations.

A yellow alert was also issued for 11 other districts, advising residents to stay informed. “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in some regions of southern and central Jharkhand on Thursday, along with lightning and gusty winds of up to 50 km/h,” stated Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

West Bengal also experienced heavy rain on Thursday due to the active southwest monsoon and the deep depression in Andhra Pradesh, with the Kansabati Dam in Bankura recording the highest rainfall in the state at 100 mm within a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM on Thursday.