The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moved further inland after crossing the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts, bringing heavy rainfall and waterlogging to several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system was likely to weaken gradually while continuing to move north-northwestwards.
The system had crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam, close to the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coastline. In its latest update, the IMD said the deep depression was moving at around 7 kmph and was centred over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha.
Red alert in parts of Odisha
The IMD has issued a red alert for parts of southern Odisha, where extremely heavy rainfall is possible. Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain, with extremely heavy showers likely at isolated places.
Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri are also expected to receive heavy rainfall. Authorities have evacuated thousands of people from vulnerable areas as a precaution against flooding, flash floods and strong coastal winds.
The system is expected to weaken into a depression around Thursday evening and then gradually lose strength over the following 24 hours.
Andhra Pradesh sees heavy rain, waterlogging
Several parts of Andhra Pradesh have witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall after the system crossed the coast. Waterlogging has been reported in low-lying areas, including parts of Vijayawada, affecting normal movement.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and directed district collectors and officials to remain alert. Authorities have been asked to warn people living in areas vulnerable to sudden flooding and heavy rain.
Precautionary local closures were also observed in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
Rain alert across Bihar
The weather system has also brought unsettled weather conditions farther north. Patna, Samastipur and Begusarai witnessed intermittent rain on Thursday.
The Meteorological Centre issued a thunderstorm and rain warning for 38 districts. Orange alerts for heavy rain were issued in 19 districts, while another 19 districts were placed under a yellow alert for moderate rainfall.
What happens after landfall?
Once a deep depression moves inland, it generally loses strength as it is cut off from the warm ocean waters that provide energy to such systems. The IMD has forecast further weakening as the system moves north-northwestwards.
Cyclones and related systems form over warm ocean waters when moist air rises and creates an area of low pressure. The surrounding air moves in, creating a cycle that can intensify into a rotating storm system.