Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Deep Depression Nears Odisha-Andhra Coast, Heavy Rain Threatens
A powerful rain system formed over the Bay of Bengal and became a deep depression.
This is stronger than a low-pressure area but weaker than a cyclone.
Weather officials expected it to reach the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around September 23 or 24.
Southern and coastal Odisha were expected to receive very heavy rain.
Some places could also face flooding, landslides and mudslides.
About 5,000 people were moved to shelters from areas considered dangerous.
Schools and some childcare centres were closed, and rescue teams were placed on standby.
Heavy rain had already caused fallen trees, blocked roads and water entering homes.
Fishermen were told to stay out of the sea because strong winds and rough conditions were expected.
The Bay of Bengal system intensified into a deep depression and was expected to cross between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on September 23 night or early September 24.
Heavy to extremely heavy rain was forecast across southern and coastal Odisha, with red warnings issued for several districts.
Around 5,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, while authorities prepared shelters, relief supplies and rescue operations.
Thirty-three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams were deployed, and schools, Anganwadi centres and some ferry services were closed or suspended.
Rainfall caused flooding, fallen trees, damaged houses and road blockages, while Semiliguda recorded 230 millimetres in 24 hours.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department, the Odisha government, district administrations, emergency teams and affected residents.
- What
- A deep depression moved toward the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rain and risks of flooding and landslides.
- When
- The system was expected to cross on the night of September 23 or during the early hours of September 24; heavy rain was also forecast through September 26.
- Where
- The system was over the Bay of Bengal and was approaching the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, with southern and coastal Odisha most affected.
- Why
- The weather system threatened intense rainfall, flooding, landslides, mudslides, rough seas and squally winds.
- Expected crossing
- Between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, around September 23 night or September 24 early morning
- Rainfall forecast
- Heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated extremely heavy rain in southern and coastal Odisha
- Red warnings
- Warnings covered Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri on different dates
- Recorded rainfall
- Semiliguda recorded 230 millimetres and Jeypore recorded 161 millimetres in the 24 hours ending at 8:30am Wednesday
- Evacuations
- Around 5,000 people were moved from vulnerable areas to shelters and temporary relief camps
- Emergency response
- Thirty-three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams were deployed, including nine kept in reserve
- Safety measures
- Schools and Anganwadi centres were closed in affected districts, and Chilika ferry services were suspended until September 25
- Wind and sea conditions
- Winds of up to 75 kmph were forecast in one bulletin; another forecast 55-65 kmph, and fishermen were advised to remain ashore
