Odisha braces for intense rainfall and potential river flooding
Odisha is preparing for an intense period of severe weather as a low-pressure area gathers strength over the east-central Bay of Bengal. Meteorological experts project this system will develop into a depression by Monday evening, bringing significant precipitation to the region.
Developing weather patterns
According to Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of the Centre for Environment and Climate at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, the atmospheric formation is moving slowly. Forecasters expect it to track in a west-northwesterly direction. By the evening of September 22, the system might intensify into a deep depression. Current models suggest it will cross the shoreline near Chilika Lake on the night of September 23. Odisha's coastal districts frequently bear the brunt of cyclonic systems developing over the warm waters of the Bay, making early preparations crucial.
Uncertain landfall and impact zones
Meteorologists note some uncertainty regarding the exact point of landfall. Dr. Sahu mentioned that the system's intensification is currently not prominent. Consequently, it could remain stationary over southern Odisha and neighboring northern Andhra Pradesh. Forecasters anticipate clearer predictive models by the afternoon of September 22. Once it moves inland, the depression could shift towards the north and then northeast, eventually heading into Jharkhand.
Rainfall alerts and flood risks
Severe weather conditions will affect numerous districts over the coming days. Coastal and southern regions, including Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Khordha, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Dhenkanal, and Anugol, will experience heavy to very heavy precipitation from September 21 to 23. Furthermore, Khurda, Kataka, and Nayagarh remain at risk for extremely heavy downpours during this timeframe.
Precipitation will subsequently shift toward the northern and western parts of the state between September 23 and 26. Dr. Sahu warned that continuous downpours raise the threat of flooding across major waterways. Communities living near the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Subarnarekha, and Budhabalanga river networks should remain alert as water levels could rise rapidly.
