Odisha Floods: Deep Depression Brings Chaos and Alerts

Heavy rain relentlessly battered Odisha on Thursday as a deep depression hit the state's coast near Gopalpur, resulting in landslides and significant waterlogging across several districts. Officials reported two injuries in Jagatsinghpur district when a decorative bamboo gate collapsed during Durga Puja festivities, leading to the injured being hospitalized locally.

The torrential rain submerged a crucial bridge on National Highway 326 in Koraput district, disrupting connectivity between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Road communication between Jagatsinghpur and Machhagaon also remained severely affected. In response, the administration activated disaster management teams and equipment in vulnerable regions, while advising fishermen to stay ashore.

The IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall, alongside orange and yellow warnings for other regions. The deep depression is expected to gradually weaken, yet parts of Odisha will likely face heavy to very heavy rainfall overnight into Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)