Red alert for 4 Odisha districts as deep depression triggers threat of heavy rain | Today’s news
Odisha is bracing for another spell of heavy to very heavy rains as a deep depression that crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast moves inland and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rains in several southern districts.
The weather system is expected to affect Odisha till September 26, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and falling rocks, especially in the hilly areas. The IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi and Malkangiri, while adjoining districts are also likely to experience heavy rains.
Several parts of south and coastal Odisha have already reported heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. Fallen trees blocked roads while landslides disrupted connectivity in parts of Ganjam and Gajapati. Water levels have also risen in the Rushikulya, Bada Nadi and Loharakhandi rivers.
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Landslides, road disruptions reported
In Ganjam, a landslide near Chariabada village in Patrapur block disrupted road connectivity. Another landslide was reported on the road leading to Taratarini Temple. A rural road bridge in Manipur village under Dharakote block was also damaged.
In Gajapati, a landslide near Pariveta village in R. Udayagiri block affected the attachment of Bastriguda panchayat and Nuagada.
Heavy rain damaged houses in several panchayats in Koraput while some trains were cancelled. Rising water level in Upper Kolab Reservoir added to the worries, one gate of Telingiri Dam opened after the water level approached the danger mark.
A wall collapse in Balasore district’s Remuna block claimed one life and seriously injured his son.
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Deep depression to move across Odisha
A deep depression crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam between Srikakulam and Vizianagaram on Wednesday evening. It brought heavy rain and winds of around 55-65 kmph to parts of Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha.
The system is expected to enter Odisha via Koraput on Thursday and gradually weaken. It may move through Narayanpatna, Laxmipur and Pottangi in Koraput before affecting parts of Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi before moving towards Chhattisgarh.
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The IMD has predicted isolated rainfall exceeding 200 mm in Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri. Winds of 50-60 kmph are also possible over South Odisha.
Odisha rain forecast for Thursday, Friday
Most parts of Odisha are likely to see rain on Thursday. Extremely heavy rain is possible in Nabarangpur while Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri may receive heavy to very heavy showers.
Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri on Friday. Heavy rain is also expected in neighboring districts, with winds of 30-50 km/h.
Andhra Pradesh power companies are on high alert
In Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, Power Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar ordered power companies to remain on a round-the-clock high alert amid a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
Kumar reviewed the preparedness and operational status of the state’s power sector, including weather conditions, power supply and response measures.
“Kumar directed APTRANSCO and all DISCOMs to remain on high alert 24 hours a day and take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state,” a press release said.
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He asked officials to mobilize restoration teams whenever needed and restore power as soon as possible in case of localized outages.
The minister also directed the officials to monitor feeder faults, restoration work and load conditions through corporate monitoring centers and provide regular updates until normal operations are restored.
Kumar further directed the officials of Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited to maintain adequate coal stock in thermal power plants to ensure uninterrupted power generation.
