The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha after a fresh low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal. The weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and squally conditions to Odisha and neighbouring coastal areas from August 16 to 18, even as several districts in the state continue to battle floods.
The IMD warned that some parts of Odisha could receive more than 20 cm of rainfall within 24 hours. Authorities have been advised to take precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the expected heavy rain.
What Is The Latest Odisha Weather Update?
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area has formed over the northwest and adjoining West Bengal-North Odisha coasts. It is likely to move nearly northwestwards and become more marked over the next 24 hours.
Under its influence, squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph is expected over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the coasts of West Bengal, Bangladesh, Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh between August 16 and 18. The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period.
What Is The Odisha Flood Situation?
The fresh weather warning comes as flood conditions remain serious in several parts of Odisha. According to officials, around 2.70 lakh people across 503 villages in 52 blocks have been affected by flooding in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar.
The flooding has been linked to rising water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani, Salandi, Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers and their tributaries. Although water levels in some rivers have started to recede, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely due to the formation of the new low-pressure system.
Which Districts Are On Alert?
The Odisha government has placed district collectors on alert following the IMD forecast. Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department Usha Padhee has also directed urban authorities to remain prepared and ensure a coordinated response to any emerging situation. Urban authorities have been asked to regularly communicate preparedness measures and field updates through press briefings and social media.
Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha river, which had been rising, began receding on Sunday morning. It was flowing at 9.21 metres at Rajghat in Jaleswar, below its danger level of 10.36 metres. Authorities are maintaining close surveillance over river levels and flood-affected areas as Odisha braces for another spell of heavy rainfall.
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