Deep Depression Over Bay of Bengal to Bring Heavy Rains to Odisha, West Bengal
A deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is intensifying and moving northwards, poised to trigger heavy rainfall in Odisha and West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts. The system is expected to cross the West Bengal–Bangladesh coast by Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to prepare for potential impacts from strong winds and significant precipitation in the affected coastal regions.
Unpacked:
Odisha and West Bengal are historically prone to severe cyclones and depressions due to their coastal location along the Bay of Bengal. Multiple major cyclones have struck these regions over the years, including devastating events in 1971, 1999, and 2019, making such weather systems a recurring threat.
An orange alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) signifies that authorities and residents should be prepared for potentially severe weather, such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding. It typically urges people to be alert, follow safety instructions, and prepare for possible disruptions to daily life.
Previous major cyclones, like the 1999 Odisha cyclone and Cyclone Fani in 2019, caused extensive loss of life, widespread flooding, crop destruction, and significant infrastructure damage. For example, the 1999 cyclone killed nearly 10,000 people and caused billions in damages, while Cyclone Fani killed 89 and caused about ₹60,000 crores in losses.
The Bay of Bengal's warm sea surface temperatures and geographic position make it highly conducive to the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones. This region has seen some of the world's deadliest storms, with about 80% of global cyclone-related deaths occurring here due to dense coastal populations and vulnerable infrastructure.