Deep depression in Bay of Bengal to hit Odisha, Andhra Pradesh with heavy rain
Schools shut in several districts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal threatens heavy rain and strong winds
A low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, raising the risk of heavy rain and strong winds in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The system has prompted authorities in both states to stay alert and begin precautionary measures.
If the system intensifies further into a cyclone, the next cyclone in the north Indian Ocean would be named Arnab. However, as of the morning of September 23, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had classified the system only as a deep depression. Latest forecasts suggest it is likely to cross the coast as a deep depression rather than developing into a cyclone. Claims that "Arnab has arrived in India" or "Arnab will make landfall" are therefore not yet confirmed.
According to the IMD, at 11:30 pm on September 22, the deep depression was centred about 100 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 150 km south of Gopalpur, 220 km south-southwest of Puri and about 180 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam. Moving west-northwest, the system is likely to cross the coast near Kalingapatnam, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, on the night of September 23.
Rainfall has intensified in several parts of southern and coastal Odisha, and disaster response teams have been deployed as a precaution. Schools and anganwadi centres in some sensitive districts have been shut, and leave for government employees in some areas has been cancelled. Educational institutions in Nabarangpur, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Khordha districts have been ordered closed until September 24, while schools in Malkangiri have also been shut.
Sea conditions along Odisha's southern coast are expected to be very rough to high, with the IMD's coastal weather bulletin forecasting winds of 30 to 35 knots, gusting up to 45 knots, in the area. Local Cautionary Signal No. III remains in force at ports in Odisha. Squally winds and widespread rain are also forecast along the north Andhra Pradesh coast, with Local Cautionary Signal No. III issued at the ports of Kalingapatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada.
Schools in six districts of Andhra Pradesh -- Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Anakapalli -- were closed on September 23, with the holiday also applicable to anganwadi centres.
The next few hours are considered critical for the Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts. Officials say the main danger at present comes not from a named cyclone Arnab but from heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas caused by the deep depression itself. Citizens have been advised to follow official updates from the IMD and local administration.
