Deep depression: Odisha asks officials not to leave hqrs

Bhubaneswar: In view of the deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal and Met Department’s forecast of heavy rain in Odisha under its impact, the Special Relief Commissioner today asked government officials not to leave their headquarters and remain on alert despite tomorrow and the day after being official holidays.

“District Collectors and other officials have been instructed not to leave their respective headquarters. They have been advised to keep a close watch on the situation. They have been asked to remain on alert to tackle any kind of situation arising out of rains. They have been asked to remain in touch with the control room. ODRAF, Fire Services department and police have been asked to remain on alert,” informed Bishnupada Sethi briefing newsmen today.

Here’s the latest IMD update on deep depression

The deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal has moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 20 kmph during past 6 hours, and lay centred at 5.30 pm today over west central Bay of Bengal near Latitude 16.5 ºN and Longitude 86.3 ºE, about 330 km southeast of Gopalpur.

The system is very likely to move north-northwestwards and weaken gradually and reach Odisha coast around 9th December morning as a depression.

Thereafter it is likely to move North-Northeastwards along and off Odisha coast and weaken further into a low-pressure area during subsequent 24 hours.

Under its impact rain or thundershower is likely to occur at most places in the coastal and many places in the interior districts of Odisha during next 48 hours.

Moreover, heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places in the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khorda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Bhadrak and Jajpur during next 48 hours.

All ports in Odisha have been advised to keep hoisted Local Cautionary Signal Number Three (LC-III).

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph very likely to prevail along and off Odisha coasts up to December 10 and sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Odisha coasts during the period.

Further, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea up to December 10.