Odisha Braces for Heavy Rainfall: IMD Issues Warnings and Advisories
Severe Weather Alert for Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Odisha will experience heavy rainfall until June 24.
As per the latest bulletin from the IMD, a well-defined low-pressure system has developed over Gangetic West Bengal and is expected to gradually move towards Jharkhand.
This weather pattern is likely to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, across various regions of Odisha from June 18 to 24.
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for 14 out of the 30 districts in Odisha, effective until Thursday morning.
A Red Warning (take action) has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, while Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, and Balasore districts are under an Orange Warning (be prepared to take action) for the day.
Additionally, a Yellow Warning (be aware) has been issued for Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, and Bhadrak districts.
Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds, reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h, are anticipated in Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri districts.
These weather conditions are expected to persist in several areas of Odisha until June 25.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea along the Odisha coast on June 18 and 19.
The IMD has also issued advisories for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda, urging residents to be prepared to relocate to safer areas as conditions may deteriorate.
Ports and naval bases along India's east coast have been instructed to take necessary precautions, including limiting tourism activities.
The weather office has warned of potential localized landslides and land subsidence due to the anticipated heavy rainfall.
Strong winds and rain could cause damage to crops, roads, huts, and power and communication infrastructure.