Odisha on Alert as Bay System Set to Intensify, Heavy Rain Forecast

Bhubaneswar: With a weather system over the Bay of Bengal moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, the state government has stepped up preparations in southern districts, with heavy rainfall forecast from Tuesday.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Monday said there was no possibility of a cyclone at present, but directed the administration to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding as the system is expected to strengthen over the next two days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal is likely to become a depression within 24 hours and a deep depression during the following 24 hours. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and approach the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast by the morning of September 23.

Rainfall is likely to increase from September 22, with around 11 districts in southern Odisha expected to be particularly affected. The spell is likely to continue through September 24. Coastal areas could experience winds of 45-55 kmph, while winds over the central Bay of Bengal may reach around 70 kmph.

Against this backdrop, Garg reviewed preparedness with Collectors and senior officials of Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri and other vulnerable districts. The administration has been asked to closely monitor low-lying areas, drainage networks and river basins and take preventive measures before the rainfall intensifies.

Officials in the likely affected districts have also been asked to remain available for emergency response, with leave cancelled as a precaution. The Chief Secretary further advised district administrations to identify expectant mothers in vulnerable areas and facilitate their shifting to hospitals ahead of the heavy rainfall.

The state is also keeping a close watch on reservoir levels as additional rainfall could increase inflows into major water bodies. The Water Resources Department reviewed the storage position of key reservoirs, with Balimela and Kolab reported to have adequate capacity to accommodate additional inflows.

The Indravati reservoir, however, is holding around 84 per cent of its capacity. Officials have been directed to regulate its level as necessary and closely monitor dams, embankments and other vulnerable structures during the rainfall period.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office has also reviewed arrangements at flood and cyclone shelters. ODRAF and NDRF teams are being deployed as required, while the SRC control room will remain operational round the clock for monitoring and coordination.

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from September 21 to 24. Those already at sea have been asked to return to safer locations.

The government has directed all concerned departments and district administrations to maintain continuous coordination as the system develops, with the focus on early action in vulnerable areas and minimising the impact of heavy rainfall.

The preparedness meeting was attended by Director of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, secretaries of concerned departments, the Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department and other senior officials.