Bhubaneswar: Heavy rain with strong winds battered several parts of Odisha on Thursday, triggering waterlogging and damage to structures in some places as the deep depression crossed the North Andhra Pradesh coast.
After making landfall near Kalingapatnam, the deep depression is now positioned over the region, bringing high-speed winds and the heavy downpour, particularly in southern and coastal Odisha. Similar weather is likely to continue.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system crossed the coast between 11 pm on September 23 and 1 am on September 24 with maximum sustained winds of 55-65 kmph and gusts up to 75 kmph.
The deep depression is expected to continue moving north-westwards while maintaining its intensity for the next 12 hours. Thereafter, it is likely to turn north-north-westwards and gradually weaken over the subsequent 24 hours.
Under the influence of the system, several coastal and adjoining areas witnessed heavy rainfall along with gusty winds. Sea conditions also remained rough in the affected region. The heavy rain and strong winds associated with the landfall have resulted in waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
State capital Bhubaneswar was lashed by heavy rain under the influence of the weather system. The city recorded 101 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, causing severe waterlogging in several areas.
Several major roads were inundated after rainwater failed to drain out. Knee-deep water was reported on the road between Master Canteen and Rajmahal Square, as well as on the road connecting Rajmahal to the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell. The waterlogging disrupted traffic movement, prompting authorities to divert vehicles from Rajmahal through AG Square.
Residents in coastal and southern districts of Odisha, along with adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh, are advised to remain alert for strong winds, heavy to very heavy rainfall, and possible flooding or disruptions in low-lying area.
According to IMD, several parts of South Odisha experienced moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the night. The weather agency has indicated that the ongoing influence of the deep depression system near the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border is expected to bring intermittent to continuous rain, particularly in the southern districts. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea until conditions improve. Further updates will be issued as the system evolves.
The has issued a rainfall warning for the next two days, with heavy rain expected from southern to western and northern parts of the state today. A red alert has been sounded for Nabarangapur district for the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.
This apart, six districts — Bargada, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri — have been placed under orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain. A yellow warning has been issued for nine other districts — Balasore, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Kandhamal and Rayagada — indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall.
The weather department has cautioned that rainfall is likely over most parts of the state today, with particularly intense spells expected in the southern and western districts.