Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The Odisha government has stepped up disaster-response measures as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence weather conditions across the state, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and keep emergency resources ready.

The Chief Minister reviewed the situation at Lok Seva Bhawan and instructed departments and district administrations to coordinate closely, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging and other rain-related emergencies.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil attended the review meeting.

During the meeting, the Special Relief Commissioner briefed the Chief Minister on the system’s movement, rainfall expectations and preparations undertaken by the state administration.

Focus on Preventing Loss of Life

Majhi directed officials to keep the protection of human life at the centre of the disaster-management response. Authorities have been asked to shift residents from vulnerable and waterlogged locations to safer areas whenever required and ensure that essential relief reaches affected communities without delay.

Although officials do not expect the system to develop into a cyclone, the administration has been instructed not to lower its guard. Heavy rainfall is expected in several parts of Odisha, with weather conditions likely to gradually improve after September 25.

33 ODRAF Teams Positioned Across Districts

As part of the emergency preparations, 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams have been deployed at strategic locations.

Six teams have been positioned in Ganjam, three in Gajapati, six in Koraput, three in Malkangiri, three in Rayagada, two in Kalahandi and one in Balangir. Nine additional ODRAF teams based at Chhatrapur in Ganjam have been retained as a reserve force for deployment wherever the situation demands.

NDRF teams and Fire Services personnel have also been placed on standby. Rescue boats, power boats and life jackets are among the equipment kept ready for emergency operations.

Coastal Areas Under Watch

Rough sea conditions have prompted additional precautions along Odisha’s coastline. Local Warning Signal No. 3 has been displayed at ports, while fishing activities in the sea have been prohibited as a safety measure.

District administrations have been instructed to ensure that the restrictions are followed and that coastal communities remain informed about changing conditions.

High-Risk Districts Receive Special Attention

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi have been placed under particular watch. Preparedness arrangements have also been strengthened in Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.

Emergency operation centres at district and block levels have been directed to function continuously. Officials are identifying vulnerable settlements and preparing shelters for possible evacuation.

Authorities are also maintaining stocks of essential supplies, including dry food, infant food, drinking water and sanitation materials.

River Levels and Urban Drainage Closely Monitored

The Water Resources Department has been instructed to keep a close watch on river and reservoir levels. Officials are inspecting vulnerable embankments and coordinating water releases where necessary to manage rising levels.

In urban areas, drainage networks are being monitored, while de-watering pumps are being positioned at low-lying locations and underpasses that could face water accumulation. Traffic diversion arrangements are also being kept ready for areas where flooding or waterlogging could disrupt movement.

Several other departments, including Health and Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Energy, Commerce and Transport, Works, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, have been asked to maintain preparedness.

Deep Depression Moving Toward Odisha-Andhra Coast

According to the briefing presented during the review, the deep depression over the west-central and adjoining north-west Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards.

The weather system is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur.

Its influence is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several parts of Odisha. Authorities have therefore maintained heightened preparedness in districts likely to experience the strongest rainfall.

The state administration is continuing to monitor the system and has kept response teams and essential emergency infrastructure ready to deal with any situation that may arise.

Report: Sudam Babu, State Bureau, Odisha