Depression Over Bay of Bengal to Bring Heavy Rain to East India

Bhubaneswar: A well-marked low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported early Friday morning.

As of 5:30 AM IST, the system was centered over the northwest Bay of Bengal and nearby coastal regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It was located approximately 130 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 150 km east-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal), and 170 km southeast of Kolkata.

According to the IMD forecast, the depression is expected to move in a west-northwestward direction and make landfall along the West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts during the forenoon of July 25. Following landfall, it will likely continue its path across Gangetic West Bengal and move towards northern Odisha and Jharkhand over the next 24 hours.

Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in several parts of West Bengal, north Odisha, and Jharkhand. Authorities have been advised to remain on alert for possible waterlogging, flooding in low-lying areas, and disruptions in transportation and local services.

Fishermen have also been warned not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions in the Bay of Bengal.