Odisha Weather Update: 18 Districts on High Alert as Low-Pressure System Intensifies over Bay of Bengal

The Odisha government has placed 18 districts on high alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall triggered by a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

🔹 Low-Pressure System Likely to Intensify

According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, the low-pressure system formed late Thursday evening under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation. IMD forecasts suggest it will intensify into a depression by Friday evening (Sept 26) and is likely to make landfall between south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts on Saturday morning (Sept 27).

🔹 Districts on Highest Alert

• Extremely heavy rainfall forecast: Koraput, Malkangiri
• Heavy rainfall likely: Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Nuapada

Collectors in vulnerable districts have cancelled government staff leave and instructed employees to remain at headquarters.

🔹 Emergency Forces Deployed

• Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services teams deployed in vulnerable areas
• District administrations instructed to prepare shelters, stock relief materials, and monitor river embankments
• NDRF units are on standby for rapid deployment if required

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deoranjan Kumar Singh urged the public to stay calm, follow official advisories, and avoid panic.

🔹 Flood & Reservoir Concerns

• Southern Odisha reservoirs: Half-filled, capable of handling additional inflow
• Hirakud Dam: Currently at 529.15 ft (against 630 ft FRL); 20 sluice gates opened to release excess water
• Around 6 lakh cusec of water expected to flow through Mundali barrage near Cuttack on Friday

🔹 Government’s Preparedness & Appeal

The Odisha government has assured citizens that all precautionary measures are in place. Continuous monitoring is underway, and local administrations have been instructed to update weather alerts frequently.