By Sudam Babu | State Bureau Chief, Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha authorities continued close monitoring of weather conditions after a deep depression over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas of south Odisha crossed the coast near southwest of Kalingapatnam during the night of September 23–24.

The weather system crossed the coast with maximum sustained winds of around 55–65 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 75 kmph. After moving inland, the system began travelling towards the northwest and is expected to gradually weaken into a depression, followed by further weakening over the subsequent 24 hours.

The state administration has maintained heightened preparedness, particularly across southern and western districts that have experienced heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

Administration Maintains Close Vigil

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the situation was being monitored continuously by the state administration. District administrations and field-level agencies have remained prepared to respond to emerging situations.

Officials have intensified night patrolling in vulnerable areas while keeping a close watch on rivers, water levels, roads and drainage systems. Traffic management and restoration measures are also being undertaken wherever required.

Authorities have been instructed to respond quickly to incidents such as fallen trees, waterlogging, road obstructions and rising river levels.

No Major Widespread Damage Reported

District-level assessments indicated that no major widespread loss of life or property had been reported so far. However, isolated incidents associated with heavy rainfall, overflowing water bodies and fallen trees were reported from several locations.

In Koraput, moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded in different areas. Semiliguda received 193.9 mm of rainfall. Despite the intense rainfall, no major damage or loss of life was reported from the district.

In Malkangiri, water overflowed at certain locations along the national highway, affecting movement near bridges at Kangurukonda, MV-90 and Kanyashram. Authorities coordinated with Chhattisgarh Police to divert traffic through alternative routes.

In Kalahandi, some incidents involving uprooted trees were reported. The affected trees were removed and the overall situation remained under control.

Traffic Diversions in Nabarangpur

In Nabarangpur, water flowed over a bridge in Tentulikhunti block, prompting authorities to divert traffic as a precautionary measure.

Two houses were damaged after trees fell on them. The affected residents were moved to safer locations as part of the administration’s response.

Officials continued to monitor vulnerable areas and remained prepared to undertake further evacuation or emergency measures if required.

River Monitoring Intensified in Southern Odisha

In Gajapati, moderate rainfall was reported, with the district recording an average rainfall of approximately 70 mm. The rising level of the Vansadhara River has led authorities to intensify surveillance along vulnerable stretches.

An ODRAF team has been deployed in the district to support emergency response operations.

In Ganjam, authorities are closely watching the water levels of the Vansadhara and Rushikulya rivers. Night patrolling and monitoring of barrage gates are also being carried out to manage the situation.

In Rayagada, officials have conducted night patrols in areas located close to the Vansadhara River. No major damage has been reported from the district so far.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Several Districts

The weather system has resulted in substantial rainfall across parts of Odisha.

Several locations recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, with some of the notable figures including:

• Semiliguda, Koraput: 193.9 mm
• Chitrakonda, Malkangiri: 168.8 mm
• Tangi, Khordha: 142.0 mm
• Badamba, Cuttack: 134.0 mm
• G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal: 125.4 mm
• Paralakhemundi, Gajapati: 121.4 mm
• Gosani, Gajapati: 120.0 mm

The rainfall has increased the possibility of waterlogging and localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

Weather Warnings Continue

Although the deep depression has crossed the coast and is weakening, weather warnings remain in effect for several districts.

A Red Warning has been issued for Nabarangpur, while Orange Warnings remain in place for Koraput, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir and Kalahandi.

The India Meteorological Department has warned that a weakening weather system can continue to produce heavy rainfall even after moving inland. Vulnerable areas may therefore experience waterlogging, localised flooding and flash-flood-like conditions.

Field Agencies Asked to Remain Alert

State and district authorities have continued preventive measures in vulnerable locations. These include night patrolling, river-level monitoring, surveillance of drainage channels, traffic diversions and removal of fallen trees.

Officials have also been instructed to shift people from vulnerable locations whenever necessary and ensure that emergency response teams remain ready.

The administration is maintaining coordination between district authorities, disaster-response teams, engineering departments, police personnel and other field agencies.

With the weather system gradually weakening, authorities are nevertheless keeping a close watch on rainfall and river conditions. The administration has emphasised continued vigilance until the impact of the system subsides across the affected parts of Odisha.