Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for an intensification of rainfall as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a deep depression and move closer to the state coast, triggering heavy to very heavy rain across several districts.
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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify further by Tuesday night. The system is expected to move towards the Odisha coast and cross between the night of September 23 and the early hours of September 24.
The system was located around 250 km east-southeast of Gopalpur, 270 km south of Puri, 330 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam and 410 km east of Visakhapatnam, according to the latest weather update cited in the report.
Red Alert for Several Districts
Rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly from Wednesday, with the IMD issuing alerts for several districts.
For September 22, 13 districts are under an orange alert, while another nine districts have been placed under a yellow alert as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across parts of the state.
The situation is likely to become more intense on September 23, with Ganjam, Gajapati and Koraput placed under a red alert for very heavy rainfall.
On September 24, Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur are expected to remain under a red alert.
Southern, Coastal Odisha to See Heavy Rain
Southern and coastal Odisha are likely to receive the heaviest rainfall as the depression moves closer to the coast.
The weather system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24, with authorities keeping a close watch on areas vulnerable to waterlogging, flooding and other rain-related disruptions.
Strong Winds Along Coast
The approaching system is also expected to generate strong winds over coastal areas. Wind speeds may reach 55-65 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 75 kmph during the period of adverse weather.
The combination of intense rainfall and strong winds could affect coastal and southern districts as the system approaches land.
The weather system continues to be closely monitored by the IMD, with further updates expected as it moves towards the Odisha coast.
