The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Odisha’s Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the Odisha-Andhra coast, threatening to disrupt Dussehra festivities with heavy to very heavy rainfall.
According to the IMD, the system, which developed from a low-pressure area, has intensified into a deep depression and is currently positioned around 300 km south-southeast of Gopalpur and an equal distance south of Puri. Moving northwestward at nearly 10 kmph, it is forecast to cross the coast between Paradip and Gopalpur, close to the Odisha-Andhra border, between midnight today and early tomorrow morning.
Heavy Rainfall and Alerts Across Odisha
Under its influence, widespread rainfall is expected across coastal Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, over the next three days. The downpour is likely to impact traditional Ravan Dahan and other Dussehra celebrations.
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Red Warning: Puri, Jagatsinghpur (extremely heavy rainfall forecast)
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Orange/Yellow Alerts: 14 districts placed under high-risk alerts for heavy to very heavy showers
For October 3, the IMD has kept three districts under orange alert and nine under yellow warning, cautioning residents of possible flooding, waterlogging, and transport disruptions.
Advisory for Fishermen and Coastal Areas
The IMD has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea until October 3, citing rough sea conditions and squally winds reaching 30–50 kmph. Coastal belts are expected to witness turbulent seas, posing risks to vessels and coastal settlements.
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has cautioned almost all districts of Odisha about gusty surface winds and persistent rain, urging authorities to remain on alert for emergency response.
