Karmactive Staff
Odisha is under an extremely heavy rainfall warning on Thursday after a deep depression crossed the coast near the Kalingapatnam area late on September 23 and continued moving northwest. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its highest-tier district alerts for parts of Odisha, with warnings extending through September 27.
The IMD's September 24 bulletin placed the system over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha on Thursday morning, moving northwest and weakening gradually. Districts in southern and coastal Odisha face the most immediate risk. The system is expected to weaken from a deep depression into a depression as it moves inland over the coming 24 hours.
State authorities evacuated more than 5,000 people from low-lying coastal areas, including Gajapati district, ahead of and following the system's landfall. Residents in affected districts should follow instructions from local disaster management authorities.
IMD Warning Schedule for Odisha
The IMD has issued the following alerts in its current forecast:
- **September 24** — Extremely Heavy Rain (red alert for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts)
- **September 25** — Very Heavy Rain
- **September 26** — Very Heavy Rain
- **September 27** — Heavy Rain
IMD classifies rainfall of more than 204.4 mm in 24 hours as extremely heavy rainfall. The department warns that such conditions can cause localised flooding, waterlogging, traffic disruption and damage to vulnerable structures. Strong winds may affect power and communication lines.
The deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal and intensified before making landfall in the Kalingapatnam region on the night of September 23. As the system weakens while moving inland, rainfall intensity is expected to reduce progressively. For the districts of south Odisha closest to the landfall point, Thursday carries the most concentrated risk.
For the latest on how the same system is affecting neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, including flight diversions and district impacts, see the separate coverage.
The system's weakening track is forecast to take it across central Odisha as it loses intensity. IMD will issue updated bulletins as the depression moves through. Check back for the latest weather status as the system evolves.
