Deep depression makes landfall in Andhra, heavy rain disrupts Odisha and neighbouring states

Heavy rain continued to disrupt normal life across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday after a deep depression made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering flooding, landslides and waterlogging in several areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system is expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken into a depression. The weather system made landfall between 11 pm on Wednesday and 1 am on Thursday near southwest of Kalingapatnam.

“The system is under continuous surveillance by the Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur & Raipur,” the IMD said.

Over 8,000 evacuated in Odisha

Odisha was among the worst-affected states, with heavy rain causing landslides, overflowing water bodies, uprooted trees and damage to houses. Road connectivity was also hit in several areas.

More than 8,000 people were evacuated from low-lying and landslide-prone locations. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the evacuation drive was continuing.

“We have evacuated 8,082 people by noon, and the process is continuing. District collectors have been asked to shift people from vulnerable waterlogged areas,” Pujari said.

The IMD issued a red alert for Koraput, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi, while Bolangir, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati were under an orange alert.

Schools in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Koraput and Rayagada were ordered shut on Friday as authorities prepared for more rain.

Train services affected by landslides

Railway operations were also disrupted after landslides hit the track between Maligura and Chhatariput stations. Four trains were cancelled, while some services were short-terminated or short-originated to facilitate restoration work.

Andhra Pradesh sees heavy rain, strong winds

North coastal Andhra Pradesh also faced heavy rainfall, with roads and agricultural fields inundated and trees uprooted.

Visakhapatnam recorded the highest rainfall at 28 cm, followed by Koyyalagudem at 20 cm. Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada and Peddapuram each received 15 cm, according to IMD data.

The weather office forecast heavy rain in isolated areas of Alluri Sitaramaraju, NTR and Eluru districts on Friday. Winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are also likely over parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

Jharkhand, West Bengal also affected

The weather system brought rain to Jharkhand, prompting an orange alert for Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum. Authorities also issued a safety advisory for tourists visiting waterfalls.

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in a few pockets of southern and central parts of Jharkhand on Thursday. Lightning accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph is also likely in some districts,” said Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand.

Parts of West Bengal also received heavy rain. Kansabati Dam in Bankura recorded 100 mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Thursday, the highest in the state.