Weather Alert / Bay of Bengal Depression Triggers Alerts as Odisha Braces for More Floods

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: The low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, now positioned over northwest Bay adjoining Bangladesh and coastal West Bengal.

As of Monday, the depression lies about 80 km southwest of Kolkata, 180 km northeast of Baleshwar, and 160 km southeast of Bankura.

Meteorologists report that the system is moving northwestwards and is expected to cross Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand within the next 24 hours. Its impact will continue to bring widespread rainfall across Odisha until August 21, with heavy downpours likely over the next 48 hours.

Also read: Mayurbhanj Rainfall Eases, No Immediate Flood Threat To Baripada: Collector

Alerts Issued

The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a Red Alert for Baleshwar, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

An Orange Alert has been declared for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, and Dhenkanal.

Thunderstorm and lightning warnings have also been issued for multiple districts, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj.

Wind speeds of 40–50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h, are expected.

Fishermen Advisory

The sea is forecast to remain rough until August 18. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to strong winds and turbulent conditions along the Odisha coast.

IMD Forecast Nationwide

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted active monsoon conditions across northern India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi-NCR. On August 17, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and squalls are expected across 16 states, with wind speeds reaching up to 75 km/h in some areas.

Eastern states face lightning warnings, while hilly regions are at risk of landslides due to intense rainfall.