Odisha-Andhra Deep Depression Weakens After Evacuations and Widespread Disruption

A deep depression that brought intense rain to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has moved inland after crossing the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam during the night of September 23-24. The weather system subsequently tracked north-northwest through interior Odisha and Chhattisgarh, reducing the immediate coastal wind threat while leaving flooding, waterlogging and landslide hazards behind.

The India Meteorological Department said the system remained a depression over Chhattisgarh on September 25 and was moving farther north-northwest. It was expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area after continuing across north Chhattisgarh and northeast Madhya Pradesh. This means another coastal landfall is not expected from the same system.

More than 8,000 evacuated in Odisha

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said 8,082 people had been evacuated by noon on September 24, with shifting operations continuing in vulnerable locations. Residents were moved from low-lying settlements and areas exposed to landslides in Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Nabarangpur.

Malkangiri authorities separately moved 1,154 people into eight shelters. Pregnant women, residential-school students and other vulnerable residents were also relocated. Relief centres provided cooked meals and essential assistance, while district and block control rooms operated around the clock.

No comparable statewide evacuation total was announced for Andhra Pradesh. Emergency teams, however, conducted local rescues in waterlogged areas, including a flooded residential complex in Visakhapatnam.

Warnings shift inland as rain continues

Before the crossing, red warnings covered parts of southern Odisha, including Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam. As the system travelled inland, the greatest rainfall threat shifted towards Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh.

Odisha recorded exceptionally intense rain during the system’s passage. Rainfall totals in the 24 hours ending on the morning of September 25 included 39 centimetres at Tentulikhunti and 34 centimetres at Nandahandi in Nabarangpur district. Borigumma in Koraput received 31 centimetres.

The latest broad forecast indicated isolated heavy rain in Odisha on September 26, accompanied in some places by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam were expected to receive more scattered rain through the following days, although the risk of damaging coastal squalls was declining as the depression moved away.

Authorities warned that saturated soil could still trigger local landslides, falling trees and damage to weak structures. Runoff may also cause sudden rises in streams, drains and low-lying roads even after rainfall intensity decreases.

Schools closed across vulnerable districts

District administrations ordered precautionary school and Anganwadi closures at different times between September 22 and 25. In Odisha, closures affected institutions in districts including Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati and Malkangiri. Officials in Koraput and Kalahandi also instructed teachers to remain at their places of posting during the emergency period.

In Andhra Pradesh, holidays were declared for schools in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Anakapalle on September 23. Parents should check fresh district orders or messages from individual schools before sending children back, as reopening decisions may vary with local flooding and road access.

Road links and local transport affected

Floodwater submerged low-level bridges on National Highway 326 in Malkangiri, interrupting the route towards Kalimela, Motu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and stranding vehicles. Traffic was suspended at several crossings, while a bridge in the Swabhiman Anchal area was washed away and boat services at Arangi Ghat on the Sileru River were stopped temporarily.

The Kalinga Ghat section of National Highway 157 between Ganjam and Kandhamal was also closed because of heavy rain and landslide danger. Fallen trees, slope failures and overflowing streams disrupted additional rural roads in Koraput, Gajapati and Malkangiri.

Safety advice remains in force

Odisha deployed 33 disaster-response teams and kept nine additional teams in reserve, supported by Fire Services and national response personnel. Officials prepared shelters, food, medicines, drinking water and pumps for waterlogged urban areas.

Residents have been advised not to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing streams and to avoid unnecessary journeys through hilly terrain. People should move immediately when instructed by district authorities, stay away from trees and electrical equipment during thunderstorms, and keep children away from drains and swollen water bodies. Fishermen should follow current marine bulletins before returning to sea, even though coastal conditions are expected to improve as the system weakens.