Weather Alert / Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain as Low Pressure Deepens

Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: A low‑pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-north Odisha coast, accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level.

Meteorologists warn that the system is likely to intensify further within the next 48 hours, triggering widespread rainfall across Odisha for the next five days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts. Red warnings for extremely heavy rainfall have been declared for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Kendrapada and Mayurbhanj districts.

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Orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall cover Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Anugola, Dhenkanal and Kendujhar.

Yellow alerts have been extended to Sundaragada, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Subarnapur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada. Thunderstorm warnings are in place for almost all districts.

On Sunday, red alerts will continue for Baleshwar, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, while Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola and Dhenkanal will remain under orange alert. Rainfall is expected to persist until September 2.

The IMD has cautioned that winds along the Odisha coast may reach speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until August 31, as rough conditions are expected. Authorities also warn of flash floods, artificial flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

In the past 24 hours, Bangiriposhi in Mayurbhanj recorded the highest rainfall at 159 mm. Since June 1, Odisha has received 1115.9 mm of rainfall — 25 per cent above the normal average of 896.3 mm. Only Gajapati district has reported deficient rainfall so far.