Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and reviewed preparedness with Collectors of several affected districts. He stressed advance warning, preparedness and swift response to protect lives and property.
Deep Depression Likely to Cross Coast Tonight
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal was moving westward at around 12 kmph. As of 5:30 am on September 23, it was located near 18.0°N and 84.7°E.
The system is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, near Kalingapatnam, by the night of September 23.
Red and Orange Alerts Issued
Red warning has been issued for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri from 8:30 am on September 23 to 8:30 am on September 24. Orange warning is in place for Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam.
Koraput recorded the highest district rainfall of 93.3 mm, while Similiguda received 230.2 mm during the period.
33 ODRAF Teams Deployed
A total of 33 ODRAF teams have been deployed across vulnerable districts, including six each in Ganjam and Koraput. Nine additional teams have been kept in reserve at the ODRAF unit in Chhatrapur, Ganjam.
Fishermen Advised to Stay Away
Squally winds of 55–65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are expected over the sea. Local warning signal number three has been hoisted at all Odisha ports. Fishing activities near the Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts have been prohibited until September 24.
Authorities are maintaining 24×7 monitoring, preparing shelters and essential supplies, and keeping rescue boats, life jackets and power boats ready. Departments including Water Resources, Health, Energy, Agriculture and Rural Development have been directed to remain alert.