Odisha News Today

Bhubaneswar, Aug 16: Odisha is likely to receive rainfall till August 21, with the regional centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar issuing warnings for several districts over the next four days. For August 16-17, an orange warning has been issued for districts such as Baleshwar, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Puri and Khordha are under a yellow warning for heavy rainfall.For August 17-18, a red warning has been issued for Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at one or two places.An orange warning is in force for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar, while a yellow warning covers districts such as Jagatsinghpur, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Subarnapur, Boudh, Khordha and Nayagada.For August 18-19, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda and Baragada districts are under an orange warning. A yellow warning has been issued for Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh and Balangir districts.Also Read: Fresh Low Pressure Around Aug 24 Threatens More Rain; North Odisha May Remain in Flood Grip Till August-EndLow-Pressure Area Likely To DevelopThe upper-air cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal, extending between 5.8 km and 7.6 km above mean sea level, persists. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours.Fishermen Advised To Stay Away From SeaStrong winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely along and off the Odisha coast, with rough sea conditions expected.The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast until August 18.

Bhadrak, Aug 16: A crocodile dragged a stray dog from a road amid the worsening flood situation in Odisha's Bhadrak district, a source said on Sunday. The incident occurred on the Hatnagar village road under Bodak panchayat in Tihidi block, where floodwaters from the Reba River had risen over the road, alarming local residents.According to the source, the crocodile emerged from the floodwaters and suddenly grabbed the stray dog before moving towards the upper reaches. The sighting of the reptile close to the village road has left residents of the riverine area worried.Floodwaters from the Baitarani River have also inundated 12 panchayats in Dhamnagar block, two in Tihidi block and four in Chandbali block.Road connectivity has been disrupted on the Bhadrak-Aradi, Dhusuri-Hasanabad and Patrisahi-Fatepur routes after floodwater flowed over the roads.Meanwhile, the water level of the Salandi River has also been rising. At Rajghat, the danger level is 17 feet, while the water level stood at 16.50 feet at 6 am Sunday.The Baitarani River is also flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada. Against the danger level of 18.33 metres, the river was flowing at 18.35 metres at 6 am.Staying Alert During Floods If your village is inundated by floods, stay alert as crocodiles and other wild animals may enter residential areas through floodwaters. Avoid walking, swimming or wading through deep or murky water, especially near rivers, canals and ponds. Keep children and pets indoors and away from water bodies. Use elevated, well-lit routes and move in groups. Never approach, chase or feed a crocodile; immediately inform local authorities if one is spotted.