Red alert in five Telangana districts on September 24
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A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is bringing heavy rainfall to coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, prompting school closures and red alerts. The system is expected to cross the coast near Kalingapatnam, with severe weather alerts extending into Telangana.
Deep Depression Triggers Widespread Disruptions in Coastal India
Coastal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are currently facing significant meteorological challenges as a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal moves inland. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the system, which is currently centered off the north Andhra coast. As the system moves westward at approximately 12 kmph, it has brought sustained heavy rainfall, necessitating immediate administrative action to ensure public safety.
Administrative Response and School Closures
In response to the intensifying weather conditions, local district administrations have prioritized the safety of students and staff. In Odisha, districts including Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, and Gajapati have ordered the immediate closure of schools. Notably, the administration in Malkangiri has extended this precautionary measure until September 24, with Anganwadi centers also remaining shuttered. While schools are closed for students, principals have been tasked with managing staff through roster duties to maintain administrative continuity during the crisis.
Meteorological Profile: Why It Is Not a Cyclone
Clarifying the severity of the weather system, the IMD has emphasized that while the deep depression is powerful, it has not intensified into a cyclone. On the IMD’s standardized scale, a deep depression is characterized by wind speeds ranging from 52 to 61 kmph. The system is expected to make landfall between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, most likely near Kalingapatnam, at its current strength. This distinction is crucial for local authorities and residents to understand the specific risks associated with wind speed versus the more extreme destructive potential of a full-scale tropical cyclone.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Andhra Pradesh is facing a critical situation, with a red alert issued for five districts: Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, ASR, and Anakapalli, valid until Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam remains under an orange alert. The influence of this weather system is not contained to the coast; it is expected to track inland, impacting Telangana. The IMD has issued a red alert for five districts in Telangana—Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, and Bhadradri Kothagudem—signaling the potential for extremely heavy rainfall.
Preparedness and Future Outlook
Beyond the red-alert zones, an additional eight districts in Telangana have been placed under an orange alert, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall, while yellow alerts have been issued for several others. The situation remains fluid as the system moves across the peninsula. Residents are advised to stay updated with IMD bulletins as the depression crosses the coast. The combination of school closures and high-level weather alerts underscores the proactive stance taken by state governments to mitigate the risks of flooding and structural damage during this volatile weather event.
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