Heavy rainfall is currently lashing Odisha, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for seven districts. This weather event coincides with the Dussehra festivities, potentially disrupting celebrations across the region.

The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the Odisha coast, causing widespread rainfall across the state, particularly in coastal areas including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy downpours in Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts. An orange warning, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 cm to 20 cm), is in place for 16 districts, while a yellow alert, for heavy rainfall (7 cm to 11 cm), covers the remaining seven districts.

The deep depression, which formed from a low-pressure area, was located approximately 190 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, 190 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 230 km south of Puri (Odisha), 250 km east of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 310 km south-southwest of Paradip (Odisha). It is moving northwest at a speed of around 10 kmph and is expected to cross the Odisha and adjoining Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Paradip by tonight.

The IMD has cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea along the Odisha coast until October 3, citing rough sea conditions and squally winds of 30-50 kmph. Coastal areas are expected to experience turbulent seas, posing risks to vessels and settlements. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has warned of gusty surface winds between 30-50 kmph for almost all districts of Odisha.

The Odisha government has instructed district collectors to deploy personnel and equipment to areas susceptible to waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, and related incidents. Residents are advised to prepare for intense rain and potential waterlogging.