DEEP DEPRESSION BUMPING INLAND: IMD WANTS CITIZENS ALERT DESPITE EXPECTED WEAKENING AFTER COASTAL LANDFALL

BHUBANESWAR — Heavy, unrelenting rainfall continues to lash several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves further inland. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intense weather system made landfall between Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha late Wednesday night and is expected to weaken into a regular depression within the next few hours.Despite the projected drop in intensity, meteorologists warn that the threat of severe weather remains high, with torrential downpours and gusty winds set to persist through Friday.

Landfall and Current Position

The IMD confirmed that the deep depression crossed the coast near Srikakulam district’s Kalingapatnam between 11:00 PM Wednesday and 1:00 AM Thursday. Moving at a slow pace of roughly 7 kmph in a west-northwestward direction, the system was centered over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha.Weather scientists stated that while the system did not technically cross the threshold to become a full-fledged cyclonic storm (which would have been named Cyclone Arnab), it carried comparable moisture, driving extreme rainfall across the region.

Red Alerts and Rainfall Impact

An absolute deluge has been recorded over the last 24 hours, with Semiliguda in Odisha’s Koraput district recording a massive 230 mm of rainfall.

The IMD has sustained a Red Alert for several vulnerable districts, warning of isolated, extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm:

• Odisha: Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
• Andhra Pradesh: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts.

Additionally, an orange watch has been extended to parts of south Chhattisgarh and Telangana as the weather system pushes deeper into central India over the weekend.

Evacuations and Administrative Action

Local administrations have mobilized extensive emergency measures to mitigate the risk of flash floods and waterlogging.

• Evacuations: Over 5,000 citizens from low-lying areas in Odisha’s Gajapati district have already been relocated to safe shelters.
• School Closures: Educational institutions and Anganwadi centres have been ordered shut across 11 districts in Odisha and 6 districts in northern Andhra Pradesh.
• Deployments: Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are currently on standby in vulnerable zones prone to landslides and sudden flooding.
• Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Chief Minister conducted a high-level review meeting, instructing district collectors to maintain absolute vigilance, monitor local water reservoirs, and keep essential supplies ready.

Wind and Sea Conditions

Squally wind speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are heavily impacting the coastal belts. The sea remains rough to very rough, prompting the IMD to issue a strict advisory warning fishermen against venturing into the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal until conditions normalize. Ferry services, including the popular route between Satapada and Jahnikuda in Chilika Lake, stand suspended.

Residents are strongly advised to avoid waterlogged areas, stay clear of weak structures, and follow local administration bulletins closely as the system gradually dissipates over the next 24 to 48 hours.