Red alert of extremely heavy rain in these 4 states, storm can reach speed of 75 km/hour; IMD issued warning

New Delhi. Amidst the farewell phase of monsoon, the weather pattern has once again taken a very aggressive form. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an emergency weather bulletin warning about severe waterlogging, lightning and ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ in four major states of the country. According to meteorologists, the deep cyclonic depression active over the west-central Bay of Bengal is now rapidly moving towards the coastal areas.

Under the influence of this weather system, strong storm winds will blow at a speed of 55 to 65 kilometers per hour in the coastal and adjacent plains, which can reach up to 75 kilometers per hour (75 kmph Gusting Wind) in the form of gusts. The weather department has directed the local administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and coastal fishermen to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures to deal with any emergency.

According to satellite imagery and radar data of the Meteorological Department, the low pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal has increased its intensity. Along with this, the monsoon trough line has also shifted towards the south from normal, due to which a large amount of moisture is reaching these states.

Situation in four states particularly affected:

1. Odisha (Red Alert): More than 200 mm rainfall is expected in the coastal districts of Puri, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Bhadrak. Storm waves 3 to 4 meters high can arise in the sea.

2. Andhra Pradesh (North Coastal Region): Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram are expected to receive extremely heavy showers accompanied by thunder. Due to strong winds, kutcha houses and hoardings may get damaged.

3. West Bengal (Gangetic West Bengal): There has been a warning of gale force winds of 60-70 km/hr along with heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur and Sundarbans.

4. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (Central India): Due to the depression moving in the west-northwest direction, there is a danger of heavy to very heavy rain (Orange/Red Alert) in many districts of Bastar, Raipur, Balaghat and Jabalpur divisions.

In view of the severe weather, coastal security agencies and disaster management authorities have imposed strict instructions:

• Complete ban on fishermen: Due to gale force winds of up to 75 km/hr and high waves, fishermen have been completely restricted from venturing into the deep sea along the Bay of Bengal and along the northern Andhra-Odisha coast. The boats which are already in the sea have been sent a message to immediately return to the nearest shore.

• Warning signals at ports: Local cautionary signals have been issued at Paradip, Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam ports. Ships have been instructed to anchor safely.

• Danger of flood in low-lying areas: Due to excessive rainfall, there may be a sudden rise in the water level of local rivers like Swarnarekha, Vaitarni and Vanshdhara, which can lead to flash floods and severe waterlogging in cities.

The Meteorological Department has appealed to the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during this period unless absolutely necessary. Do not try to cross waterlogged areas, underpasses and weak bridges.

Do not take shelter under electric poles, transformers and old trees during storms, as there is a danger to life and property due to breaking of branches and short circuits due to strong winds. Farmer brothers have been advised to keep their ripe Kharif crops and harvested produce in safe sheds and make proper arrangements for drainage of excess water from the fields.