Deep depression triggers heavy rain in Odisha, 5,000 people evacuated

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rain is lashing southern and coastal districts of Odisha on Wednesday (September 23) as a deep depression approaches the coast. As a precautionary measure, authorities have evacuated around 5,000 people to safer locations.

Rain has been continuing in Odisha since Tuesday, with its intensity increasing on Wednesday. According to an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official, Semiliguda in Koraput district recorded the highest rainfall of 230 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Wednesday. Jeypore in the same district recorded 161 mm of rainfall.

The IMD said more than 10 cm of rain was recorded in over 16 locations across the state.

The weather department said a depression has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm. If a cyclone develops, it will be named ‘Arnab’, a name proposed by Bangladesh.

Heavy rain is likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, as well as several parts of Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Winds from the sea are likely to reach speeds of up to 65 kmph in these states.