Identifying weak areas, manning emergency hotlines: How Odisha braces for deep depression

Odisha is taking proactive measures to brace for the impact of a deep depression expected to make landfall between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty surface winds in various districts.

Authorities are identifying vulnerable areas for potential evacuation, closing schools, keeping shelters on standby, and maintaining manned emergency hotlines. The IMD warns of localized flooding in low-lying areas and advises closure of underpasses, especially in urban zones. The rainfall may lead to landslides, mudslides, landslips, and land subsidence, potentially affecting communication lines.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered the evacuation of people to safer ground, while Odisha's revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari has deployed 33 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and kept nine teams on standby. Authorities have cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea and closed schools and anganwadis in 12 districts.

Multiple fire service teams are on standby with life boats and jackets, while the water resources department has been tasked with monitoring water levels in major rivers and reservoirs, inspecting vulnerable embankments, and coordinating with district authorities regarding the release of water where necessary.