Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: Odisha has intensified its disaster preparedness as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moved closer to the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, triggering heavy rainfall across several districts. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday held a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) to assess the preparedness of the administration.

The Minister reviewed the situation with Collectors of Koraput, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Khordha, Rayagada, Nayagarh, Kalahandi and Kandhamal. He stressed timely warnings, preparedness and prompt response, with priority given to protecting lives and property.

According to the IMD, the system moved westwards at 12 kmph and, at 5.30 am, lay near 18.0°N and 84.7°E, about 70 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam and 150 km south of Gopalpur. It was forecast to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam by the night of September 23 as a deep depression.

A Red Warning was issued for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, while an Orange Warning covered Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam.

The state recorded 37.9 mm average rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am. Koraput recorded 93.3 mm, while Similiguda received the highest at 230.2 mm. Jeypore, Gunupur, Mohana, Borigumma and Tentulikhunti also recorded over 100 mm.

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