The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating heavy rainfall for various regions in Odisha, notably in Puri, due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. This weather development has triggered a red alert, leading to school closures, management of waterlogging, and advisories for both pilgrims and fishermen.
According to the IMD’s bulletin released on Wednesday, the low-pressure area was detected around 5:30 am off the northern Odisha-West Bengal coast, influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation.
This weather pattern is expected to traverse north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal over the next two days. Since Tuesday evening, several districts, including the sacred town of Puri, have experienced heavy rain.
Puri and surrounding coastal areas faced intense downpours from Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning. Fire service teams were deployed to manage rainwater drainage in the town, particularly along the Grand Road, which is vital for the upcoming Rath Yatra festival scheduled for Thursday.
“We have positioned pumps in areas likely to experience waterlogging due to the heavy rainfall. These pumps were operational last evening to clear accumulated water,” stated a fire service representative.
The IMD reported a maximum rainfall of 143.8 mm in Puri town over a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Wednesday. The renowned Rath Yatra is anticipated to attract thousands of devotees from across the nation and abroad.
In light of the impending weather conditions, the IMD has issued a red warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts, urging immediate action. Consequently, the local authorities in Puri have decided to suspend classes at all schools, including private institutions, for Wednesday.
The IMD’s Bhubaneswar center issued a special alert for Puri town, advising pilgrims to exercise caution during thunderstorms and lightning activities between 10 am and 4 pm. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with health issues, were recommended to limit their exposure to rain and crowded places.
In the event of severe rainfall or lightning, the IMD urged devotees to seek shelter under solid structures rather than trees, electric poles, or temporary setups. Due to rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the waters along the Odisha coast until July 17.
Rainfall measurements included 135 mm in Derabis and 129 mm in Patamundai, both located in Kendrapara district. Additionally, 21 other areas across Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri, Sambalpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jajpur recorded heavy rainfall ranging from 65 mm to 107 mm.
Furthermore, the IMD has issued an orange warning for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Khurdha, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Ganjam, and Kandhamal districts, indicating preparedness for action. A yellow warning has also been issued for Balasore, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Gajapati districts for the same day.
