Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Monday ruled out any cyclone threat to the state in view of the deep depression that has formed in the Bay of Bengal.
After reviewing preparedness measures with collectors of 11 districts which are likely to be affected by heavy rainfall, Garg told mediapersons that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of a deep depression, and not a cyclone, which could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several parts of the state from Tuesday.
“Today IMD has informed us that there is a likelihood of a deep depression forming, and not a cyclone, but a deep depression which would lead to heavy to very heavy rainfall,” said Garg.
During a virtual meeting with collectors of the identified districts, Garg directed them to remain on high alert and stay at their headquarters.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg says, “The IMD (India Meteorological Department) clarified in today’s meeting that there is no cyclone; instead, a deep depression is developing, which will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall. We have already received good… pic.twitter.com/q35hBUNmCU
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2026
With rainfall likely to increase from Tuesday, the Chief Secretary said the collectors have been asked to keep flood and relief centres ready, ensure adequate stocks of essential materials, activate control rooms and deploy nodal officers.
Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been directed to remain prepared and identify vulnerable locations, including areas prone to waterlogging and bridges that could be submerged.
Health department on its toes
Health and Family Welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling also reviewed preparedness of his department to ensure uninterrupted essential medical services in view of heavy rainfall that has been forecast from Tuesday.
During a virtual meeting, Mahaling reviewed emergency health services, availability of medicines and essential medical supplies, ambulance facilities and preparedness of hospitals across the state.
The minister directed officials to remain vigilant and ensure close coordination so that essential health services are not disrupted in any district. He stressed on quick availability of emergency medical services in rainfall-affected areas and adequate resources at hospitals.
The Chief Secretary informed that the Health Department will coordinate with Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDMOs) to ensure preparedness, including availability of anti-snake venom and other essential medical supplies.
Collectors have been advised to identify expectant mothers whose delivery dates fall during the period and make arrangements to shift them to safer locations in advance.