IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alerts for Odisha from June 17–20 as Low-Pressure System Strengthens

Low-Pressure Area Triggers Widespread Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha from June 17 to 20, 2025, due to a low-pressure area persisting over southwest Bangladesh and the Gangetic region of West Bengal. The system is expected to intensify and move in a west-northwest direction, bringing prolonged rain spells to several parts of the state.

Orange and Yellow Warnings Issued

The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has sounded orange and yellow alerts in multiple districts. Accompanying the rainfall will be thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h. On June 17, districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack are expected to receive heavy rainfall.

District-Wise Impact Forecast

• June 18: Mayurbhanj faces the highest risk, with Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur placed under alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall.

• June 19: Orange alerts are active for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur, while Bargarh, Sonepur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Angul, and Boudh are likely to witness heavy showers.

• June 20: A yellow alert remains in place for Sundargarh, as heavy rainfall continues.

IMD Chief Warns of Flash Flood Risk

During a press event, IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that the slow-moving nature of the weather system may result in prolonged rainfall, increasing the threat of flash floods and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and urban areas.

Preparedness and Public Advisory

The Odisha Rainfall Monitoring System has issued advisories urging residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to take safety precautions. Discussions around safety and alerts are trending across social media platforms like X.

In anticipation of further deterioration, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed district administrations to remain alert and monitor flood-prone zones closely. Authorities are preparing for potential impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life, initiating mitigation and relief measures accordingly.