A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has left parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha soaked, disrupted roads and daily life, and raised concerns about flooding as the weather system moved inland on Thursday.

The system crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast close to southwest of Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district between 11 pm on Wednesday and 1 am on Thursday, bringing strong winds and intense rainfall to north coastal Andhra Pradesh. It was moving west-northwestwards towards Odisha and was expected to weaken gradually.

Visakhapatnam recorded 28 cm of rain in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, making it one of the worst-hit areas. Koyyalagudem received 20 cm, while Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada and Peddapuram recorded 15 cm each. Several other locations received more than 5 cm of rain.

The heavy downpour caused waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupted road connectivity in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. Floodwater covered important roads connecting Anakapalli and Chodavaram, bringing traffic to a halt in some stretches.

In parts of Vizianagaram district, rising water levels also made movement difficult. Ponds, canals and small streams overflowed in Parvatipuram Manyam district after days of rain.

Vijayawada also continued to receive rainfall, with several low-lying areas inundated. Schools in the city remained closed for a second consecutive day as authorities monitored the situation.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and directed officials to remain alert. Authorities were asked to restore road connectivity quickly in areas affected by flooding and to warn people living near locations vulnerable to landslides.

The weather system was moving inland with maximum sustained winds of around 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph. The India Meteorological Department said it was likely to maintain its strength for a short period before weakening into a depression and then further weakening over the following 24 hours.

The weather system’s movement towards Odisha has raised fresh concerns in the state, particularly in the southern districts.

The IMD warned that rainfall intensity could increase as the system moved further inland. Odisha recorded an average of around 70 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, while Semiliguda in Koraput received nearly 194 mm.

The IMD issued a red warning for Nabarangapur, where more than 20 cm of rain was forecast. Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri were placed under an orange warning, with rainfall of 12-20 cm expected. Several other districts were under a yellow warning for heavy rain.

The Odisha government stepped up its flood preparedness, particularly in areas where rivers, streams and low-lying roads could swell quickly.

Two senior ministers were sent to Koraput and Gajapati to monitor the situation and coordinate with district administrations. Disaster-response teams were also placed at vulnerable locations, while shelter facilities were kept ready in areas that could face flooding.

The state government said it was working towards a zero-casualty response, with officials monitoring water levels, roads and critical infrastructure.

Schools and anganwadi centres were closed in several affected districts as a precaution. In Malkangiri, schools, anganwadi centres and colleges were shut from September 23 to 25, while authorities kept shelter houses ready and deployed Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams at vulnerable locations.

The impact of the system is not limited to the coastal belt. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over several parts of Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, along with other areas of central and eastern India.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh remains under a warning for extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds, with heavy rain expected to continue into Friday.

Fishermen have also been advised to stay away from the sea as rough weather and strong winds continue along the coast.

Although the system had triggered speculation about a possible cyclone, the IMD had clarified that it was not expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm. The immediate concern remains the heavy rainfall, flooding, waterlogging and disruption caused by the deep depression as it moves inland.

With saturated ground and rivers and streams receiving more water, authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are keeping a close watch on vulnerable areas. For residents, the immediate priority is to avoid flooded roads and swollen water bodies and follow local weather and disaster-management advisories.