Bhubaneswar, Jul 15: A low-pressure area has formed over the north-west Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha-West Bengal coast, leading to widespread heavy rainfall across several districts of Odisha.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued alerts for multiple districts, warning of intense showers until July 17.

For July 15, Jagatsinghpur district has been placed under a Red Warning due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall.

Also read: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra?

Districts including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Dhenkanal are under Orange Alert, while Balasore, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam are under Yellow Alert.

In Bhadrak, continuous rainfall for three days has prompted the district administration to declare holidays for all schools.

On Tuesday, June 14, the Collector announced closure of government, aided, and private schools, extending the order to Wednesday, June 15, prioritizing student safety amid waterlogging and flood-like conditions.

The weather department has also predicted heavy rainfall during the Rath Yatra on Thursday, June 16. Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack districts have been placed under Orange Alert for the festival day, while Puri, Ganjam, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar are under Yellow Alert.

Meanwhile, the Odisha coast is expected to remain rough, with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until July 18 due to unsafe marine conditions.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories. With the monsoon intensifying, the state machinery is on high alert to tackle potential flooding and ensure public safety.