Depression over Bay of Bengal moves towards Indian coast

Photo: Collected

A large cluster of clouds has suddenly formed over the Bay of Bengal and is gradually intensifying and moving towards the coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned.

If the system eventually develops into a major cyclone, it will be named ‘Arnab’. The Bengali word ‘Arnab’ means sea, and Bangladesh had previously selected the name for the storm.

The depression is currently located around 200-300 kilometres from the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Weather officials said the system is moving rapidly towards the coast and may make landfall over Odisha and Andhra Pradesh around midnight between Wednesday and Thursday (September 23 and 24).

The system may also bring torrential rainfall. Some areas could receive up to 20 centimetres of rain, while gusty winds of around 55-65 kilometres per hour are expected.

Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could inundate low-lying areas and cause water levels in rivers and other waterways to rise rapidly.

To protect children from the situation, the Odisha government has taken immediate measures. All government and private schools and childcare centres in Khurda, Ganjam, Gajapati and Jagatsinghpur districts have been closed from Tuesday through Thursday.

Fishermen and residents in coastal areas have also been advised to remain alert.