Odisha Braces for Impact with Widespread Alerts Issued
A cyclonic system forming over the North Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a low-pressure area by July 24, prompting the Regional Meteorological Centre and Odisha Water Resources Department to issue heavy rainfall warnings across the state. The system is likely to intensify further, bringing widespread and intense downpours starting from July 25 onward.
Heavy to Very Heavy Rain Forecast from July 28
According to the State Water Resources Department, the low-pressure system is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in many parts of Odisha, particularly on July 28. The department has warned of possible flooding and waterlogging in several low-lying regions. The anticipated rainfall pattern could lead to disruptions in transportation and daily life, especially in rural and riverine areas.
Orange and Red Alerts for Multiple Districts
In preparation for the incoming weather system, the Meteorological Department has issued multiple alerts across the state.
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Orange Alerts: Districts including Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Anugul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur have been placed under orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in the next few days.
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Red Alert: Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj are under red alert as very high-intensity rainfall is currently affecting the region.
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Yellow Alerts: Fourteen other districts are under yellow alert, including all districts of Odisha for the next 24 hours due to the widespread risk of heavy showers.
Fishing Banned as Sea Turns Rough
The rough sea conditions caused by the cyclonic activity have led the Regional Meteorological Centre to ban all fishing activities along the Odisha coast until July 28. Manorama Mahanti, Director of the Regional Water Resources Science Centre, has advised fishermen to stay off the sea as a precautionary measure.
Preparedness Measures Underway
With the possibility of floods and significant rainfall-induced disruptions, the state government has urged all district administrations to stay on alert. Emergency teams, evacuation protocols, and disaster management personnel are being readied to respond promptly if the weather situation worsens.
As Odisha stands on the brink of another intense monsoonal event, residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain indoors, monitor official warnings, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.