A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast early Thursday, bringing heavy rain and rough sea conditions to several parts of Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to warn of intense rainfall across the state.
The system had earlier raised concerns about a possible cyclonic storm, but the IMD said it was not expected to intensify into one.
Puri recorded 56 mm of rain in the 24 hours to 8.30 am on Thursday, with the IMD forecasting heavy rain in the city.
Heavy rain lashes Odisha
Rain intensified across coastal and southern Odisha as the system moved inland. Gopalpur also saw heavy rain, while rough seas and high waves were reported along the coast.
The IMD's Odisha forecast for Thursday warned of extremely heavy rain in parts of the state, with very heavy rainfall expected in some areas over the following two days.
Earlier warnings had placed several districts on high alert, with authorities preparing for disruption caused by heavy rainfall and strong weather conditions.
Schools shut in 8 districts
Schools and anganwadi centres have been closed in eight districts as a precaution. The affected districts are Nabarangpur, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Khurda and Malkangiri. The closure applies to students, while teachers and staff have been asked to report to their institutions.
In Balasore, emergency teams were placed on alert after trees were uprooted amid the weather conditions.
CM stresses 'zero casualty' policy
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to focus on protecting lives and property as the state deals with the impact of the weather system.
The government has reiterated its "zero casualty" policy while monitoring the situation across affected districts.
The system's impact is also being felt outside Odisha. The IMD has forecast very heavy rain over West Bengal on Thursday and Friday, while parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar are also facing rainfall warnings.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Delhi and several northwestern areas, with the capital ending the season with 728.6 mm of rainfall, according to the information provided.