The Odisha government on Friday placed 20 districts on alert and asked another 10 districts to remain vigilant after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a weather system over the Bay of Bengal was likely to form into a low‑pressure area and could intensify as it moves towards the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coast over the next three to four days.
IMD tracking system; heavy rain expected from Sept 22
Manorama Mohanty, director of the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, said an upper‑air cyclonic circulation over north Thailand was likely to move into the north Andaman Sea and trigger a low‑pressure area by Saturday evening. She said the system was expected to intensify gradually while tracking westwards.
"Thereafter, it is likely to intensify gradually and move towards south Odisha‑north Andhra Pradesh coasts during subsequent 3‑4 days,"
Mohanty added that intense rainfall activities were likely to begin across south Odisha from 22 September. The IMD said heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecast in several parts of the State through 25 September, and issued orange warnings for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in multiple districts.
State response and preparedness
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government was prepared to deal with the developing situation, noting that some weather models indicated the possibility of a cyclone. A meeting of senior officials, including Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P. Patil, was convened to review preparedness and response measures.
Authorities have so far issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in 20 districts, with expected rainfall amounts in the range of 7 cm to 11 cm in affected areas. The warning is subject to revision once the low‑pressure area forms and further IMD updates are issued.
What residents should do
Officials urged residents, particularly in coastal and low‑lying areas, to take routine precautions and stay informed through official channels. Practical steps advised by disaster management authorities include:
- Keeping emergency contact numbers and basic supplies (drinking water, medicines, torch, batteries) ready.
- Securing loose items around homes and avoiding travel during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
- Staying away from rivers, drains and low‑lying areas vulnerable to flashflooding; shifting to safe locations if advised by authorities.
Warnings and monitoring
While IMD said the system was likely to intensify into a depression, it had not issued a definitive forecast on progression to a cyclonic storm. Mohanty cautioned against panic and said the weather office would provide timely updates if intensification occurred.
State disaster teams and local administrations are monitoring the situation closely and will revise warnings and action plans as new meteorological information becomes available. Fisherfolk have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until conditions stabilise.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Alerted districts | 20 (yellow alert) |
| Vigilance districts | 10 |
| Expected rainfall | 7 cm–11 cm in alerted districts |
| Key dates | Low‑pressure formation by Saturday evening; intense rain from 22–25 September |
Residents should rely on official IMD bulletins and state disaster management advisories for the latest information. The situation remains under close observation and warnings may be upgraded or downgraded depending on system evolution and updated model guidance.
Local administrations will activate relief centres and rescue teams as required, and updates on district‑wise actions are expected after further meetings of senior officials led by the Special Relief Commissioner.
Given the potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, people are urged to avoid unnecessary movement during peak weather activity and follow instructions issued by local authorities and the state disaster management department.
