Bhubaneswar: A deep depression over the north Andhra Pradesh coast crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam between late Wednesday night and early Thursday, triggering heavy rain and waterlogging in several parts of Odisha.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s morning bulletin, the system crossed the coast between 11 pm on September 23 and 1 am on September 24 with maximum sustained winds of 55-65 kmph and gusts up to 75 kmph.
At 5.30 am on Thursday, the deep depression was centred over north coastal Andhra Pradesh, about 50 km west of Kalingapatnam, 80 km north-northeast of Visakhapatnam and 170 km southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The system is likely to move northwestwards while maintaining its intensity for the next 12 hours. It is then expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken over the following 24 hours.
Bhubaneswar received heavy rainfall under the influence of the weather system. The city recorded 101 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, resulting in severe waterlogging in several areas.
Several major roads were inundated after rainwater failed to drain out. Knee-deep water was reported on the road between Master Canteen and Rajmahal Square, as well as on the road connecting Rajmahal to the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell. The waterlogging disrupted traffic movement, prompting authorities to divert vehicles from Rajmahal through AG Square.
The situation was also difficult on Cuttack Road. Water accumulated near Kochilei Haat in Rasulgarh, while ongoing drain work at Bomikhal hampered water drainage.
Waterlogging was also reported near Shantinagar in Jharpada, Chintamaniswar petrol pump, Janpath in front of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation office, Satyangar crematorium, Saubhagya Nagar and Satyavihar in Rasulgarh.
Water also accumulated on the CRP National Highway, with reports of water reaching around waist height at some stretches. Commuters faced difficulties at the underpass near the Pahala National Highway flyover.
Strong winds accompanying the rain uprooted trees and broke branches at several locations. Power supply was also disrupted in parts of the capital.
Heavy rainfall also caused serious disruption in Malkangiri district. Four bridges at Kankurukonda, Kanyashram, MV-90 and MV-96 were submerged, with floodwater flowing three to four feet above the bridges.
The flooding disrupted road connectivity between Malkangiri and Kalimela, Motu and Padia. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded at several locations along National Highway 326.
Police personnel were deployed near the affected bridges to prevent people from taking risks and to ensure their safety.
Rayagada district also experienced heavy rainfall from the early hours of Thursday. The continuous rain has led to a rise in the water level of the Vansadhara River.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation. District Collector has directed all block development officers and tehsildars to remain alert.
Authorities have identified 11 vulnerable locations where landslides are considered possible. The drinking water and electricity departments have also been placed on alert, while Fire Services and ODRAF teams are ready to respond to emergencies.
Intermittent heavy rain continued in the G Udayagiri area of Kandhamal district, affecting normal life. Traffic movement through Kalinga Ghat has been stopped as a precautionary measure, forcing commuters to take an alternative route that adds around 60 km to their journey. Ground-level assessments were also carried out in the area amid the adverse weather conditions.