Odisha Braces for Double Whammy: Heavy Rains and Coastal Depression Ahead of PM's Visit

Just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Odisha, the state has been battered by incessant heavy rainfall. A deep depression, which had been brewing over the Bay of Bengal, made landfall near Paradip on Saturday morning, bringing with it a deluge that has disrupted normal life and raised concerns.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the deep depression crossed the coast close to Paradip, specifically between Puri and Paradip, around 8:30 AM.

This weather system has since moved inland, weakening into a depression, but its impact is still widely felt across several districts.

Forecasts indicate that the intensity of the rain is expected to decrease over the next 12 hours as the depression continues its westward movement towards Chhattisgarh.

However, before it dissipates, various parts of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, have already experienced significant precipitation, leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls.

Authorities have been on high alert, especially in coastal districts, anticipating the potential for localized flooding and damage.

The timing of this severe weather event adds a layer of complexity to the logistical arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit, where he is slated to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects.

While the immediate focus is on managing the impact of the rains and ensuring public safety, the weather system's trajectory and weakening phase offer some relief, suggesting that the worst of the storm might soon pass.

Nonetheless, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official advisories as the situation evolves.