Odisha on High Alert as Deep Depression Nears Coast, Evacuations Ordered
Odisha braces for a deep depression set to cross the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast, with heavy rain forecast, ODRAF teams deployed and schools closed in 12 districts.
Odisha has moved to a heightened state of readiness as a deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal heads for the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast, expected to make landfall between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the system is likely to pass close to Kalingapatnam village in Andhra Pradesh by Wednesday night. Thunderstorms and rainfall ranging from heavy to very heavy are forecast for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
Several other districts — Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh — are also expected to receive heavy rain and have been placed on high alert. An IMD official said thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds of 50-60 kmph are very likely at one or two places over these districts.
The weather agency has warned of localised flooding in low-lying areas and the closure of underpasses, mainly in urban centres. It also flagged the possibility of landslides, mudslides, landslips and land subsidence, with communication lines likely to be affected. Mudslides and damage to trees have already been reported from Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the administration to evacuate people to safer ground. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said at least 33 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force have been deployed across various districts, with nine more on standby.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea. Schools and anganwadis have been shut in 12 districts, and authorities have been instructed to keep emergency lines functional and manned round the clock.
Officials said vulnerable areas are being identified and shelters kept stocked with food and other essentials. Multiple fire service teams have been placed on standby with life boats and jackets.
The water resources department has been asked to monitor water levels in major rivers and reservoirs, inspect vulnerable embankments and coordinate with district authorities on the release of water wherever required.