A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has brought heavy rainfall to large parts of Odisha and West Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts for several districts. The system is moving steadily towards the Odisha coast and is likely to cross near Gopalpur in Ganjam district on Thursday evening.
Odisha on High Alert
According to IMD, Odisha is expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
- Red Alert: Issued for seven districts likely to receive extremely heavy downpour.
- Orange Warning: For 16 districts, predicting very heavy rainfall.
- Yellow Alert: For the remaining seven districts with chances of moderate to heavy rain.
Officials confirmed that all regions of Odisha have already received rain since Wednesday, with coastal and southern areas being the worst affected.
The state government has mobilized emergency teams, deploying men and machinery in vulnerable districts. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have kept disaster response units on standby,” an official told PTI.
Fishermen have also been warned not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast till October 3 due to rough conditions.
Heavy Rains Predicted for West Bengal
The weather system is also set to impact West Bengal, where the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall till October 6.
On Thursday, parts of Bengal already witnessed showers, with heavier spells expected in the coming days.
- Very heavy rain (7–20 cm): Predicted in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram.
- Heavy rain (7–11 cm): Likely in Kolkata and Howrah till Friday morning.
Residents in low-lying areas have been asked to remain cautious as waterlogging could worsen in urban centres.
Depression’s Speed and Position
In its latest update, the IMD said the deep depression moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 18 kmph over six hours before noon.
At 11:30 AM Thursday, the system was:
- 90 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha)
- 140 km east-northeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 140 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha)
- 230 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 240 km southwest of Paradip (Odisha)
The IMD expects the system to continue moving inland, bringing widespread rainfall across coastal and interior districts.
With the festive season approaching, the heavy rain alert has put authorities in both states on guard. Officials are preparing for potential flooding, waterlogging, and disruption of transport services.
The IMD has urged residents of vulnerable areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories.
For now, both Odisha and West Bengal brace for days of intense rainfall as the Bay of Bengal depression makes its landfall.
