Heavy rains lash Odisha due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal; Red alert declared in several districts
Odisha: A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has worsened the weather in Odisha, with several parts receiving continuous heavy rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this weather system is expected to intensify rainfall activity in the state for the next few days.
Bhubaneswar has recorded over 100 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. According to IMD data, a total of 112.3 mm of rainfall was recorded in Bhubaneswar between 8:30 am on July 4 and 5:30 am on July 5. Due to the continuous rainfall, waterlogging was observed in many low-lying areas of the city.
Other parts of the state also recorded significant rainfall. Chandbali recorded 64.6 mm, Puri 55.7 mm, Balasore 41.4 mm, Paradip 30.2 mm, and Keonjhar 29.2 mm. Continuous rainfall in these areas has disrupted normal life and slowed traffic in many places.
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for several districts in Odisha today. A red warning has been issued for Bargarh, Sambalpur, and Nuapada districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall are expected at isolated places in these districts. The administration has been instructed to remain vigilant and be prepared for emergencies.
An orange warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sonepur, Balangir, and Kalahandi districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in these areas, which could cause river water levels to rise and lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for several other districts in the state. These include Balasore, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Raigarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in these districts, although the situation is expected to be relatively mild.
According to weather experts, this low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is increasing the monsoon activity, resulting in varying intensity of rainfall in different parts of Odisha. Such weather conditions are considered normal during the monsoon season, but when the low-pressure area becomes more active, heavy rainfall events increase.
The administration has increased vigilance in all affected districts and instructed disaster management teams to be prepared. People living in low-lying areas have been advised to stay in safe places and monitor weather department updates. Special vigilance is being maintained in riverside areas to respond promptly to any emergency.
The continuous rain has disrupted road traffic in many places and has also created difficulties in commuting in rural areas. The Meteorological Department has predicted that rain activity will continue for the next 24 to 48 hours.
