Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted residents of Odisha about anticipated heavy rainfall on Friday.
According to its midday bulletin, the IMD’s Bhubaneswar Centre has specifically forecasted heavy rain for Mayurbhanj district and has issued a “red warning” (take action) for the area.
In response to this warning, the administration in Mayurbhanj has instructed all schools to close after the midday meal distribution and recess.
An “orange warning” (be prepared to take action) has been issued for 19 other districts, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kataka, Sundaragada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Sonepur, Boudhagada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Jajpur.
The remaining ten districts of Odisha—Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada—are under a “yellow warning” (be aware).
The IMD has noted that thunderstorms, along with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, are expected in the region on Friday.
These weather conditions are likely to persist throughout the state until Sunday.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the rough seas along and off the Odisha coast on August 7 and 8.
In the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am Friday, Narla in Kalahandi district recorded the highest rainfall at 131 mm, while Madanpur-Rampur saw 117 mm. Other areas with over 100 mm of rainfall include Belgaon in Balangir district (115 mm), Athgarh in Kataka district (112 mm), Mahanga in Kataka (104 mm), and Salebhatta in Balangir (103.4 mm).
