Heavy rain continued across Odisha on Thursday, August 13, as a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards towards Gangetic West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha, with several areas already reporting intense downpours, waterlogging and rising river levels.
The weather system is expected to move across Gangetic West Bengal towards Jharkhand and may intensify into a depression within the next 12 hours. Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are also likely to experience heavy rainfall under its influence.
What Is The IMD Rainfall Warning For Odisha?
The IMD has issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha on Thursday. The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha-West Bengal-Bangladesh coast until August 14. Wind speeds along the Odisha coast could reach 30-40 kmph. Residents have been advised to remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning and follow official weather advisories.
How Much Rain Has Odisha Received?
Several parts of northern Odisha recorded extremely heavy rainfall. Bhograi in Balasore recorded the highest rainfall at 236 mm, followed by Shyamakhuntam at 230 mm, Baripada in Mayurbhanj at 215 mm and Rajghat in Balasore at 204 mm. Balasore town recorded 137 mm of rainfall by 5:30 am on Thursday. Very heavy rain was also reported from the Similipal Hills in Mayurbhanj.
The intense rainfall has caused waterlogging in large parts of Balasore town and pushed up water levels in the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers.
Are Schools Closed In Odisha Today?
All educational institutions in Mayurbhanj district have been closed on Thursday, August 13, following heavy rainfall since Wednesday night. The district administration has directed headmasters, headmistresses, principals and teachers to report to their respective institutions as usual and inform students and parents about the closure through available communication channels, including WhatsApp groups, phone calls and SMS. Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather and local conditions as the low pressure system moves inland.
