Odisha Braces for Extreme Rains as Deep Depression Nears Coast Tonight

Odisha is facing an onslaught of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall as a deep depression from the Bay of Bengal is set to cross its coast tonight, specifically between North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha near Kalingapatnam. This severe weather event has already triggered widespread downpours across southern and coastal districts, prompting authorities to evacuate thousands and shut down schools to ensure public safety. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for several districts, including Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur, forecasting over 20 cm of rain in the next 24 hours in some areas. This comes as parts of Koraput district have already seen up to 230 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. While the system is a deep depression and not expected to intensify into a full-blown cyclone, possibly due to the El Niño phenomenon, it still brings significant threats of flooding, landslides, and strong squally winds up to 75 kmph. The Odisha government has mobilised 33 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and other emergency services, cancelling leaves for government officials to manage the escalating situation. With the deep depression expected to weaken into a regular depression by Thursday evening, residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. Fishermen have been strictly warned to stay out of the sea until at least September 24th, as conditions remain rough. Emergency operations are ongoing, with over 5,000 people already moved to safer locations in districts like Gajapati and Ganjam, as relief camps provide essential supplies. The coming hours will be crucial as the state navigates the immediate impact of this intense weather system.