The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of alerts for Odisha, triggered by a well-defined low-pressure area lingering over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the neighboring coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal.
This weather system, which has been active since July 16, is predicted to shift northwestward over the next two days, affecting north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal.
The associated cyclonic circulation reaches heights of up to 7.6 kilometers above sea level, with a southwest tilt. Currently, the monsoon trough extends from Jammu to Bareilly, Basti, Daltonganj, and the center of the low-pressure area, before continuing east-southeast towards the northeastern Bay of Bengal.
Several districts have been hit by heavy rains, with particularly intense downpours recorded in Angul and Cuttack. Both Banki and Angul reported 21 cm of rainfall, while Talcher saw 19 cm. Other areas such as Dhenkanal, Nayagada, Kendujhar, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Kandhamala, Balangir, Sonepur, Bhadrak, Khordha, and Puri also experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall.
IMD Warnings
- Day 1 (July 16-17): Red warning issued.
- Day 2 (July 17-18): Orange warning for Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nuapada, and Balangir.
- Days 3-5 (July 18-21): Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall in northern and western districts, including Baleshwar, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Boudhagada, Nuapada, and Balangir.
Expected Impact
- Localized flooding and waterlogging in urban areas.
- Traffic disruptions and reduced visibility.
- Minor damage to unpaved roads and susceptible structures.
- Landslides and mudslides in hilly regions.
- Inundation leading to damage to crops and horticulture.
Officials have advised residents to steer clear of waterlogged areas, adhere to traffic guidelines, and avoid structures that may be at risk.
