Cyclone tracking: Deep depression nears Andhra - Odisha coast; IMD issues red alert. Is there a holiday tomorrow?

Schools have been shut in at least eight districts of Odisha — Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Khurda.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has been moving west-northwestwards and is likely to cross the North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts within the next 3-4 hours, the India Meteorological Department said. The system, currently a deep depression, is likely to intensify into a cyclone, which has been named 'Arnab', meaning ocean in Bengali.

"The Deep Depression over Westcentral & adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal, moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 7 kmph during past 06 hours, and lay centred at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 23rd September, 2026, over the same region close to north Andhra Pradesh coast near latitude 18.1°N and longitude 84.0°E, about 30 km south-southwest of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 90 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 160 km southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha)," the IMD said.

Heavy rain lashes Odisha, Andhra Pradesh

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are reeling under heavy rainfall, with authorities stepping up efforts to minimise the impact.

Schools have been shut in at least eight districts of Odisha — Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Khurda — which have declared the closure of educational institutions until September 24. Leave for government employees has been cancelled, according to news agency PTI.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the situation and directed officials to ensure round-the-clock emergency response, prepare relief shelters and maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies in view of the weather system.

A total of 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been deployed across affected districts, while nine additional teams have been kept on standby at Chhatrapur.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has also asked district collectors to remain vigilant and ensure that people living in vulnerable areas are evacuated.

"Monitor inflows in the rivers continuously and take measures for necessary water storage in the reservoirs," said Naidu in an official release.

Videos on social media showed torrential rain flooding agricultural fields, while rainwater entered residential homes in Bhavani Nagar in Tekkali. A tree was also uprooted at Neelapuram mandal.

IMD weather forecast

The weather agency has placed several districts in southern Odisha under a red alert, warning of intense rainfall over the next two days. Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24.

For September 24 and 25, the red alert has been extended to Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, where heavy rainfall is expected.

For Andhra Pradesh, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall and placed several districts under a red alert. Isolated places in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam and Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall between 8:30 am on Wednesday and 8:30 am on Thursday.

The weather department has also predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam and Eluru districts during the same period.

Similarly, the IMD has forecast heavy rain at isolated places over NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Anantapur, Kurnool and Nandyal districts during this 24-hour interval.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author

Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.

Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news.

HomeNewsIndiaCyclone tracking: Deep depression nears Andhra - Odisha coast; IMD issues red alert. Is there a holiday tomorrow?