Deep Depression over Bay of Bengal Triggers Widespread Rains and Alerts Across Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand

Severe weather dampens Durga Puja and Dussehra festivities; IMD issues red and orange alerts for multiple districts

KalimNews, Kolkata, October 2, 2025 : A deep depression brewing over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal has led to intense rainfall and triggered widespread alerts in West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, severely impacting Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations across eastern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded red, orange, and yellow alerts for various regions, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, squally winds, thunderstorms, and potential damage to infrastructure and crops.

The system, moving north-northwestwards at 18 km/h, was positioned at 11:30 IST on October 2 near latitude 18.6°N and longitude 85.3°E, about 90 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, Odisha. It is expected to make landfall near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast close to Gopalpur by the evening of October 2.

As per IMD’s forecast, the system is likely to weaken gradually over the next two days—from a deep depression to a well-marked low-pressure area by late October 3. Sustained surface wind speeds ranging from 55–65 km/h, gusting up to 75 km/h, were recorded, with strong squally conditions over the sea and coastal regions.

Meanwhile, tragic reports have emerged from Jharkhand, where a 50-year-old woman, Savitri Devi, was swept away in an overflowing drain in Dumka district due to heavy rains, underscoring the human toll of the inclement weather.

North Bengal Forecast 

October 2, 2025:

Light to moderate rain is likely across all districts, with heavy rain (7–11 cm) possible in one or two areas. Thunderstorm activity with winds of 30–40 km/h and lightning is expected in all districts.

October 3, 2025:

Widespread rainfall to continue. Very heavy rain (7–20 cm) may occur in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Heavy rain (7–11 cm) is likely in Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and North Dinajpur.

October 4, 2025:

Similar rainfall pattern expected. Very heavy rain is forecast in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, North Dinajpur, and Alipurduar, while Malda and South Dinajpur may see heavy showers.

October 5, 2025:

Very heavy rain may affect Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar; North Dinajpur may receive heavy rainfall.

October 6, 2025:

Heavy rain (7–11 cm) is forecast at isolated locations in Coochbehar and Alipurduar.

October 7 and 8, 2025:

Light to moderate rain is likely at many places throughout North Bengal.                                                               Impact on North Bengal:

• Lightning risk remains high, especially in open fields.

• Urban flooding and traffic disruptions expected due to waterlogging.

• High landslide risk in hilly districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

• Potential damage to kutcha roads, houses, standing crops, and Puja pandals.

• Water levels may rise in rivers like Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, and Jaldhaka.

Precautionary Measures:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms; avoid vulnerable structures.

• Regulate traffic and avoid landslide-prone zones.

• Secure temporary structures and Puja arrangements in advance.

Take extra caution in hilly terrain and near riverbanks.     

South Bengal Forecast                                                                                                    October 2, 2025:

Light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely across all districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) is expected in South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, and Jhargram. Heavy rain (7–11 cm) may occur in Howrah, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, East and West Burdwan, Bankura, and Purulia. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40–50 km/h) are likely in East and  Midnapore and South 24 Parganas. Other districts may see gusts of 30–40 km/h.

October 3, 2025:

Light to moderate rainfall is expected throughout. Birbhum may receive heavy to very heavy rain (7–20 cm). East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, East and West Burdwan, and Bankura may receive heavy rain (7–11 cm). Thunderstorm activity with gusty winds (40–50 km/h) is expected in parts of Midnapore and South 24 Parganas; other districts may experience gusts up to 40 km/h.

October 4, 2025:

Widespread light to moderate rain is likely, with heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) in Birbhum and Murshidabad. Thunderstorms with 30–40 km/h winds and lightning are forecast across all districts.

October 5, 2025:

Similar light to moderate rainfall expected across the region. Thunderstorm activity with gusty winds (30–40 km/h) is anticipated in most districts.

October 6, 2025:

Light to moderate rain will persist. Gusty winds (30–40 km/h) and lightning are expected in Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.

October 7, 2025:

Many districts will continue to receive light to moderate rain.

October 8, 2025:

Rainfall will reduce slightly but continue at a few locations across South Bengal.

Impact on South Bengal:

• High risk of lightning strikes, especially in open fields.

• Waterlogging in low-lying areas, underpasses, and major roads; reduced visibility could disrupt road and rail transport.

• Potential damage to kutcha roads and homes, tree branches, standing crops, and temporary structures like Puja pandals.

Precautionary Measures:

• Avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles, and near water bodies.

• Limit movement during intense rain; avoid waterlogged or vulnerable areas.

• Ensure safety measures for Puja pandals and regulate tourism and recreational activities, especially in coastal areas.                                                                             

  Marine and Coastal Advisory:

  Wind and Sea Conditions:
  Squally winds of 55–65 km/h, gusting up to 75 km/h, are likely to prevail over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha coast till midnight of October 2. Winds will gradually weaken to 45–55 km/h, gusting to 65 km/h, by the morning of October 3. Along the West Bengal coast, similar wind speeds are expected till the morning of October 3 before subsiding further. Sea conditions will remain rough to very rough during this period.
  Fishermen Warning:
  Fisherfolk are strongly advised not to venture into the sea till further notice, especially in areas adjoining Odisha and West Bengal coasts.