Bhubaneswar: Several parts of Odisha, particularly the southern and coastal districts, have been experiencing heavy rainfall under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
The evening bulletin of India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the depression over westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 7 kmph during and intensified into a deep depression. As of 5.30 pm, it lay centred over the region near latitude 18.0°N and longitude 85.4°E, about 140 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 150 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha), 210 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha) and 220 km east of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
According to IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the system the deep depression is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September 23.
Rainfall along the coast is likely to decrease by September 24, but the intensity may increase over interior areas, Mohapatra said. The system is expected to gradually move north-northwestwards towards Chhattisgarh after crossing the coast.
“Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at some places. Coastal rain may decrease by September 24, while interior Odisha could receive heavier rainfall. The weather system will gradually move north-northwest towards Chhattisgarh. Wind speed at landfall is expected at 55-65 kmph,” Mohapatra added.
The weather system has already triggered heavy and widespread rainfall across several districts of Odisha.
Normal life has been hampered in several areas with concerns of further disruption.
Chhatrapur recorded the highest rainfall of 52.8 mm, followed by Gopalpur with 50 mm, according to IMD.
Paradip received 47 mm, Chandbali 45.8 mm, Kendrapara 34 mm, Jagatsinghpur 32 mm, Paralakhemundi 31.6 mm, Dhenkanal 30 mm and Puri 25.8 mm.
The pattern clearly reveals that the coastal and southern belts of the state are under the direct influence of the weather system.
Red warning
A Red warning has been issued for Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam districts for September 23 and 24. The district administrations have been directed to make necessary preparations and arrangements.
On the other hand, the districts of Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri have been placed under a Red warning for September 24 and 25. The collectors have been asked to remain vigilant and all necessary measures.