Odisha Issues Alert as Depression Likely Over Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar, September 25 : The Odisha Government on Thursday alerted collectors of 18 districts to remain vigilant and ensure full preparedness as a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression by September 26.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) sources said the system could trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state, particularly South Odisha and northern coastal regions, between September 26 and 28.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast indicates that Koraput and Malkangiri districts may experience very heavy rainfall, while several other districts in South Odisha are likely to witness heavy showers. Squally weather with wind speeds up to 55 kmph is expected over the north and central Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha coast during this period.

SRC officials said Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams would be deployed to assist in emergency situations. Collectors have been instructed to keep engineering teams, field staff, and officials on high alert for immediate response to flooding or related disasters.

In a video conference with district collectors, the SRC emphasized the need for close monitoring and preparedness. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Water Resources Department, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), IMD, and the Relief Commissioner’s office.

“The state government is fully prepared to handle any emergency and is keeping a close watch on the situation. The public is advised not to panic unnecessarily,” the SRC assured.

Meanwhile, IMD has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast and the north Bay of Bengal until September 28, as sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough.