Heavy Rainfall Hits Odisha Due to Low Pressure in Bay of Bengal
Severe Weather Conditions in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, July 27 - Due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, several regions in Odisha experienced heavy rainfall on Monday, as reported by officials. The intense downpour led to the closure of schools in four districts, disrupted train services temporarily, and prompted the government to place district administrations on high alert.
Officials indicated that following a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), schools in Jagatsinghpur, Sonepur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendrapara districts were closed as a precautionary measure. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who chaired a high-level meeting to assess the situation, reassured that there is no need for panic, as the government is fully prepared to handle any circumstances. Pujari stated, “From this evening (Monday) and over the next 24 hours, we expect rainfall ranging from normal to heavy, with some areas experiencing extremely heavy rainfall.”
It is anticipated that the intensity of the rain will decrease afterward. He noted that the water levels of all major rivers, including the Mahanadi, are below danger marks, and there is currently no immediate flood threat in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts. The minister added, “Ground-level officials have been placed on high alert, and instructions have been issued to set up pumps to drain water from low-lying areas in case of flooding.”
Officials reported that heavy rainfall caused waterlogging on the railway tracks between Tikiri and Rauli stations in Raigarh district, affecting train services on the Raigarh-Koraput route.
According to the IMD, the highest rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours until 8:30 AM was 192 millimeters (mm) in Banki, Cuttack district, followed by 174 mm in Athagarh, and 135 mm and 133 mm in Sonepur and Kendrapara, respectively. The IMD has issued a 'Red Alert' for Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in these areas.
Additionally, an 'Orange Alert' has been issued for 19 districts, while eight other districts are under a 'Yellow Alert.' The weather department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and along the Odisha coast until July 29.