Bhubaneswar, Sep 8: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for multiple districts across Odisha as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal intensifies, triggering widespread rainfall and thunderstorms until September 13.

The upper-air cyclonic system, active over the northwest and west-central Bay of Bengal near the coasts of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh, is expected to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. The IMD has forecast a significant increase in rainfall from September 11, with wind speeds reaching 30–40 km/h during showers.

Districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh are under yellow alert for intense rainfall and lightning. The IMD has warned of potential damage to crops, kutcha houses, and low-lying infrastructure due to waterlogging and gusty winds.

In the past 24 hours, Laikera in Jharsuguda district recorded the highest rainfall at 122.4 mm, followed by Jharbandh in Bargarh and Tikabali in Kandhamal. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into deep sea areas due to rough conditions.

With the monsoon trough still active, Odisha is bracing for continued downpours.