A deep depression over the West-Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal has triggered relentless torrential rains across several parts of Odisha, prompting state authorities to step up emergency measures.
The system is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, by late tonight (September 23).
In response to the developing situation, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Bhubaneswar. The Minister interacted with the Collectors of key districts—including Koraput, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Khordha, Rayagada, Nayagada, Kalahandi, and Kandhamala—to review administrative preparedness and ensure early response measures.
“Protecting the lives and property of our citizens is the topmost priority of the State Government. All line departments are fully prepared, and real-time monitoring is underway,” stated Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.
Path and Current Location of the System
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression moved westwards at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. As of 5:30 AM today, the system was centred near latitude 18.0°N and longitude 84.7°E—approximately 70 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 150 km south of Gopalpur, and 150 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam.
It is predicted to maintain its intensity as a deep depression while making landfall by late tonight.
Alerts and Rainfall Data
The IMD has issued severe weather warnings across multiple districts valid until 8:30 AM on September 24:
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Red Warning (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
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Orange Warning: Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
Over the last 24 hours (ending at 8:30 AM today), Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 37.9 mm. Koraput registered the highest district average at 93.3 mm, followed by Gajapati (79.2 mm) and Balasore (61.8 mm).
Similiguda in Koraput district recorded an extraordinary 230.2 mm of rainfall. Other areas recording heavy rainfall include Jeypore (161.6 mm), Gunupur (160 mm), Mohana (145 mm), Borigumma (138.2 mm), and Tentulikhunti (138 mm).
Disaster Response & Safety Measures
| Deployment / Measures | Key Details |
| ODRAF Teams | 33 total deployed (Ganjam: 6, Koraput: 6, Gajapati: 3, Malkangiri: 3, Rayagada: 3, Kalahandi: 2, Balangir: 1). 9 teams on standby at Chhatrapur. |
| Port Signals & Sea Warnings | Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 hoisted at all ports. Squally winds reaching 55–65 km/h (gusting to 75 km/h) expected. |
| Fishermen Advisory | Total ban on sea venture until September 24, 2026 across Central and North Bay of Bengal. |
| Monitored Risks | Urban waterlogging, flash floods, landslides in southern hilly terrain, tree falls, and damage to power lines. |
Round-the-Clock Monitoring
High priority has been assigned to southern and coastal districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi. District and Block Emergency Operation Centres are functioning round-the-clock. Relief shelters, de-watering pumps, drinking water, and essential supplies have been kept ready for rapid deployment.
The review meeting was attended by top state officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Shubh Sharma, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IMD Regional Director Dr Manorama Mohanty, and Fire Services IG Uma Shankar Dash.
Members of the public residing in vulnerable and low-lying areas are strongly advised to follow official updates and take necessary precautions against flash floods and landslides.
