Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: Odisha continues to reel under intense rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state till August 28, with the intensity expected to peak after August 25.

Several districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda are under orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h. Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts have also been placed under orange alert for August 25, while yellow alerts have been issued for over 20 other districts including Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

The IMD has warned of possible flash floods, waterlogging, and lightning strikes in several regions. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, prompting the Regional Meteorological Centre to advise fishermen against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.

Also read: Subarnarekha River Breaches Danger Mark

The Hirakud Dam authorities have opened multiple sluice gates to manage rising water levels, while rivers like Subarnarekha and Baitarani have already crossed danger marks in Balasore and Bhadrak districts, respectively.

Local administrations have been asked to remain on high alert and initiate precautionary measures. Evacuation plans are being readied in flood-prone zones, and disaster response teams have been mobilized.

With the monsoon season nearing its peak, Odisha has recorded 803.3 mm of rainfall so far, slightly below the seasonal average. However, the upcoming days are expected to bring intense showers that could bridge the deficit and potentially cause widespread disruptions.