Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for various regions in Odisha as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to strengthen, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rain over the next five days.
Currently, the low-pressure system is positioned over Northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and North Odisha. It is expected to remain in the same vicinity and intensify over the next two to three days.
The IMD has warned that rainfall intensity will escalate starting Sunday, prompting the issuance of red warnings for districts including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, and Kendujhar. These areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of extremely heavy rain in isolated locations by Sunday morning.
Moreover, an orange alert has been put in place for Baleshwar, Sundaragada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Boudhagad, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated spots during this period.
A yellow warning has also been issued for Jharsuguda, Bargad, Sambalpur, Debagad, Sopur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, and Ganjam, indicating heavy rain could occur.
On July 26-27, Kendujhar district will be under a red warning for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Additionally, an orange alert will cover Jajpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, and Mayurbhanj, where isolated areas may see heavy to very heavy rain.
A yellow warning applies to Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Subarnapur, Boudhagada, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Puri, Khordha, Balangir, and Nayagada for heavy rainfall.
From July 27-28, districts like Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Bargad, Sambalpur, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj will maintain an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rain. A yellow warning will also be in effect for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Sonpur, Boudhagad, Balangir, Puri, Deogarh, and Khordha.
While the rainfall intensity is predicted to gradually decrease after July 29, heavy rain is still expected to continue. Certain areas will remain under an orange warning, while other regions will have a yellow warning for heavy rainfall.
The IMD has urged residents in the affected areas to stay alert, avoid low-lying and waterlogged zones, and adhere to guidance from local officials. Additionally, fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea until July 27.
