In light of the looming deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan today to assess state-wide preparedness.
Reaffirming the state’s uncompromising policy of “Zero Casualty” during natural disasters, the Chief Minister directed all administrative machinery and disaster response forces to remain on maximum alert to safeguard lives and property.
The meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
High Alert Along Andhra-Odisha Coast
According to weather updates shared by the SRC during the review, the deep depression over the West Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal moved westward at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. Positioned roughly 150 km south of Gopalpur as of 5:30 AM today, the system is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, by tonight.
Although the system will not turn into a full-blown cyclone, it will trigger an intense spell of torrential rain and strong gusty winds across several districts through September 24, with conditions expected to improve starting September 25.
Strategic ODRAF & Rescue Force Deployment
To manage potential emergencies, waterlogging, and evacuations, the state government has deployed 33 ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams across high-risk districts:
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Ganjam: 6 teams (plus 9 reserve units stationed at Chhatrapur)
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Koraput: 6 teams
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Gajapati: 3 teams
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Malkangiri: 3 teams
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Rayagada: 3 teams
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Kalahandi: 2 teams
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Balangir: 1 team
NDRF personnel, Fire Services, power boats, life jackets, and rescue equipment have also been mobilised and kept on standby.
District Alert Breakdown
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and state authorities have categorised warnings for various regions based on anticipated impact:
| Warning Level | Districts Covered | Expected Conditions |
| Red Warning | Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam | Heavy to very heavy rainfall, wind speeds of 50–60 km/h gusting up to 70 km/h |
| Orange Warning | Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada | Heavy to very heavy downpours |
| Yellow Warning | Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh | Moderate to heavy rainfall |
Multi-Departmental Response Strategy
Chief Minister Majhi stressed seamless coordination between state departments and district officials, placing top priority on the southern coastal and interior districts.
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Ports & Fishermen: Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 (LC-3) has been hoisted across all state ports. Fishermen are strictly prohibited from venturing into the sea until further notice.
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Emergency Operations: District and Block Emergency Operation Centres are operating 24×7. Identification of vulnerable settlements, preparation of storm shelters, and stockpiling of dry rations, baby food, and clean drinking water are actively underway.
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Urban & River Control: The Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring river levels and embankment stability. In urban pockets, de-watering pumps have been stationed at low-lying underpasses to clear waterlogging rapidly.
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Essential Services: Health, Energy, Transport, Agriculture, Panchayati Raj, and Animal Husbandry departments have been tasked with keeping relief supplies and emergency restoration teams ready to address any disruption in power, transport, or medical assistance.
The State Control Room is conducting real-time monitoring of weather patterns, reservoir levels, and emergency operations to ensure swift action throughout the event.
