Bhubaneswar, September 21: Odisha is bracing for another spell of intense rainfall as a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a depression and subsequently a deep depression over the next 48 hours.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is moving west-northwestwards and is likely to reach near the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast around the morning of September 23.
The weather system is expected to bring very heavy rainfall on September 22, followed by extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24 in parts of Odisha. The IMD’s state warning indicates that heavy rainfall activity may continue through September 27.
Several districts in southern Odisha are expected to remain particularly vulnerable. The IMD has issued an extremely heavy rainfall warning for districts including Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Kalahandi and Rayagada during different periods on September 23 and 24.
Along the coast, conditions are also expected to deteriorate as the system approaches. Squally winds of 55–65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are likely along and off the South Odisha–North Andhra Pradesh coast from September 23 to September 24, accompanied by rough to very rough seas.
The Odisha government has placed district administrations on alert and is monitoring the evolving situation. Authorities have also advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during the period of adverse weather.
The anticipated rainfall could increase the risk of waterlogging, localised flooding, landslides and disruption to road and rail movement, particularly in vulnerable areas. Residents are being advised to follow official weather and disaster-management updates rather than relying on unverified information.
With the system expected to strengthen further before approaching the Odisha coast, authorities and residents across vulnerable districts are keeping a close watch on the latest forecasts.