Daijiworld Media Network – Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by the night of September 23, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The weather system has intensified over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall across parts of Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities in several Odisha districts have announced precautionary measures, including school closures, cancellation of leave for government employees and deployment of emergency teams.

According to the IMD, the system moved west-northwestwards at around 7 kmph and was located over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal at 5.30 pm on September 22.

It is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards before crossing the coast as a deep depression.

The next cyclone to form over the North Indian Ocean will be named Arnab, according to the regional list of tropical cyclone names. The name, meaning “ocean” in Bangla, was contributed by Bangladesh.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in several parts of Andhra Pradesh between September 22 and 25, including isolated heavy showers over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.

A red alert has been issued for several districts of southern Odisha. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers at isolated places, is forecast in Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam on September 23 and 24.

Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri have also been placed under red alert for September 24 and 25.

The IMD has warned of widespread rain or thunderstorms along the Odisha coast, with visibility likely to deteriorate during heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain has already lashed coastal and southern Odisha, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.

Schools in Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati were closed on Tuesday, while schools in Malkangiri will remain shut until September 24. Anganwadi centres in the affected areas have also been closed until September 24.

Teachers and other school staff have been instructed to report for duty. Principals have been asked to introduce roster duties to ensure that school buildings remain accessible around the clock and can be used during emergencies.

The National Rural Talent Scholarship examination scheduled for September 22 will be held as planned at designated centres.

Authorities in Koraput and Kalahandi have directed teachers not to leave their places of posting until September 25. The leave of government employees has also been cancelled in Ganjam, Koraput and Kalahandi as preparations are underway for possible worsening weather conditions.

Ferry services between Satapada and Jahnikuda in Chilika Lake have been suspended until September 25 due to the prevailing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, West Bengal is also likely to receive heavy rainfall until September 26.

Heavy showers are forecast in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Birbhum.

The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar until September 26.