Heavy Rainfall in Sundarbans as Deep Depression Moves Across West Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a deep depression formed over Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh has been moving west-northwest at a speed of 5 km/h over the past six hours. It is expected to maintain its intensity as a deep depression until September 15 before gradually weakening into a depression.
Following this development, parts of South 24 Parganas experienced rainfall. Visuals from the Sundarbans area showed heavy rain lashing the region.
The IMD stated, “The deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal moved west-northwestward at a speed of 5 km/h over the past six hours and was centred at 1200 UTC today, September 15, 2024, over the same region near latitude 22.8°N and longitude 87.2°E, approximately 120 km west-northwest of Kolkata, 70 km south of Bankura, 100 km east of Jamshedpur, and 200 km east-southeast of Ranchi.”
“It is likely to continue moving slowly, nearly westwards, across Gangetic West Bengal, maintaining its intensity as a deep depression until September 15. Thereafter, it is expected to gradually weaken into a depression and move westwards across Jharkhand and northern Chhattisgarh over the next 48 hours,” the IMD added.
The IMD has also issued an alert for “heavy to very heavy rainfall” on September 15 in isolated areas of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.
Doubts Revealed
Sundarbans -: The Sundarbans is a large mangrove forest area in the delta region of the Padma, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river basins. It is famous for its unique ecosystem and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Deep Depression -: A deep depression is a weather system with low atmospheric pressure, which can cause heavy rain and strong winds. It is stronger than a regular depression but not as strong as a cyclone.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national agency in India responsible for weather forecasting, monitoring, and research. They provide information about weather conditions and issue warnings for severe weather.
Gangetic West Bengal -: Gangetic West Bengal refers to the region of West Bengal that lies along the Ganges River. It includes areas like Kolkata and Howrah.
South 24 Parganas -: South 24 Parganas is a district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It includes parts of the Sundarbans and is known for its diverse culture and natural beauty.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state on the eastern coast of India, known for its ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, known for its forests, waterfalls, and mineral resources.
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism.
Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India, known for its rich cultural heritage, tribal communities, and natural resources.
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal -: Sub-Himalayan West Bengal refers to the northern part of West Bengal, which lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It includes areas like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.