Bhubaneswar: Odisha, still recovering from severe flooding that affected over 864,000 residents across 22 districts, is facing a renewed threat of heavy rains due to a new low-pressure system forming over the northwest Bay of Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that a cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal is predicted to develop into a low-pressure area by August 12.
As a result, the state can expect very heavy rainfall from August 11 to August 13, with the possibility of isolated heavy showers persisting from August 14 to August 17. The IMD warns of rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast, with surface winds reaching 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph, advising fishermen to refrain from going out to sea until August 15. There are also warnings of potential river flooding, breaches in river embankments, urban flooding, and risks of landslides in hilly regions. Thousands of hectares of standing crops and fragile kutcha structures are at significant risk. Urban areas like Bhubaneswar and Kataka may experience waterlogging, underpass closures, and disruptions to travel. Residents should keep an eye on traffic advisories, steer clear of waterlogged zones, and avoid at-risk structures.
On August 11, isolated areas in Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. A yellow warning has also been issued for heavy rain in Jajpur, Kataka, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj.
On August 12, very heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Anugola and Kendujhar, with heavy rainfall alerts in effect for 15 districts: Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Puri, and Khordha.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall may be reported in Sundargarh on August 13, while 16 districts in northern, central, and southern Odisha, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, and Koraput, may also see significant downpours.
The IMD forecasts widespread rainfall with isolated heavy showers in northern districts such as Sundaragada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, and Baleshwar from August 14 to August 17. Moderate thunderstorms, with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, are expected statewide from August 11 to August 15.
