The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is weakening, but the threat of heavy rainfall remains across Odisha and several adjoining states. Odisha has shifted 8,082 people to safer locations, while rainfall alerts remain in effect for Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over south Odisha and adjoining areas is moving in a northwesterly direction and gradually weakening.
Heavy rainfall has increased the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions of Odisha. Authorities have carried out evacuations in vulnerable areas, and 8,082 people had been shifted to safer locations by Thursday afternoon.
Several parts of Odisha have received continuous rainfall under the influence of the weather system. According to the IMD forecast issued on September 25, very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in the state on Friday, while heavy rainfall is expected on September 26. The warning is expected to ease thereafter.
Heavy rainfall could increase pressure on rivers, streams and drainage systems, raising the possibility of waterlogging and flash flooding in low-lying areas. Continuous rainfall may also increase the risk of soil movement and landslides in hilly and sloping areas.
According to the IMD, on September 24, the deep depression associated with north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha was moving northwestward. It was located northeast of Koraput in Odisha and east of Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh. The weather department had forecast that the system would move further north-northwestward and gradually weaken.
The weather system had earlier crossed the coast near north coastal Andhra Pradesh. It subsequently moved over land, after which its intensity began to decrease. However, weakening of the system does not immediately end the associated moisture and rainfall. As a result, the threat of rain remains across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and adjoining states.
Extremely heavy rainfall is possible in some parts of Chhattisgarh over the next 24 hours. The IMD has issued an Extremely Heavy Rain warning for the state for September 25. Thunderstorms, lightning and b winds are also possible.
Heavy rainfall could affect road traffic, local drainage systems and low-lying areas in Chhattisgarh. Particular caution may be required in areas where the soil has already become saturated because of rainfall or where water levels have risen.
The impact of the weather system continues over coastal Andhra Pradesh. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and b winds on September 25. On September 24, a warning had also been issued for very heavy rainfall and b surface winds in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Sea conditions have also been affected along the coastal areas. The IMD coastal bulletin had warned of b winds and poor to very poor visibility along the north Andhra coast. Particular caution has been advised during marine activities amid heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
The weather department has also forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and b winds in Telangana on September 25. Thunderstorms and b winds may continue on September 26.
Rainfall could lead to waterlogging in urban areas and affect local road connectivity in rural areas. Residents have been advised to monitor the latest warnings issued by the weather department and local administration.
Rainfall, b winds and thunderstorms may occur in areas affected by the weather system. According to available weather updates, wind speeds in some affected areas could reach 50-60 kilometres per hour.
Strong winds can increase the risk of tree branches breaking, damage to temporary structures and disruption of power supply. During lightning and thunderstorms, people should avoid staying in open areas.
In view of the risk of heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides, authorities in Odisha have shifted people from vulnerable areas to safer locations. The relocation of 8,082 people is part of the precautionary measures taken by the administration.
According to the IMD, very heavy rainfall is likely in Odisha on September 25, followed by heavy rainfall on September 26. No specific warning has been issued for the state from September 27.
The weakening of the weather system is expected to improve conditions in the coming days, but moisture associated with its remnants may continue to produce rainfall across several states. The affected areas of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to follow the latest warnings issued by the local administration and the IMD.
According to official IMD records, the current system is technically classified as a deep depression and is gradually weakening.
