IMD Issues Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Odisha, Depression Intensifies

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rain in several Odisha districts as a depression intensifies near Puri. Forecasters predict extremely heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Fishermen cautioned against venturing into deep sea until September 11. Seasonal rainfall so far remains below normal levels.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several Odisha districts, in light of a deepening depression. According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, the depression now lies over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, about 50 km east-southeast of Puri.

"It is expected to cross the Odisha coast near Puri within the next three hours today. Consequently, the IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha's districts of Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Boudh, Balangir, and Puri, including Malkangiri, over the next 24 hours," said Mohanty. She added that Malkangiri recorded the highest rainfall at 253 mm in the past 24 hours.

"Landslides and flood-like situations are likely in the hilly areas of Malkangiri district. Fishermen are advised to avoid deep-sea areas until the afternoon of September 11. Additionally, a local cautionary single number 3 warning has been issued for maritime ports," Mohanty noted. Seasonal cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 9 measures 908.6mm, below the normal value of 1001.1mm.

"Monsoon seasonal cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 9, 2024, is 908.6 mm against a normal value of 1001.1 mm. During this period, one district experienced large excess rainfall, 17 districts saw normal rainfall, and 12 districts were deficient," the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar posted on X (formerly Twitter). On Sunday, the IMD had reported that a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal had developed into a depression.

The IMD forecast rain for many Odisha districts over the next three days. The depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 17 kmph, according to the IMD. It is likely to move north towards the north Odisha-West Bengal coasts and intensify into a deep depression within 24 hours. It is then expected to move west-northwestwards, crossing Odisha and adjoining West Bengal between Puri and Digha by noon on September 9.

The system is projected to continue its west-northwestward path, crossing Odisha and adjoining regions of Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and north Chhattisgarh over the subsequent two days. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)