Weather Alert / Odisha Braces for Torrential Rains as Depression Looms

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The seasonal monsoon has once again turned active across Odisha with a fresh low-pressure system forming over the northern Bay of Bengal.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the system has now developed into a well-marked low pressure over the Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Officials said the system is moving northwestward and may intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. As a result, rainfall activity across Odisha is expected to increase significantly, with heavy to very heavy showers forecast in several districts.

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The Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Kendujhar districts, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Localized exceptionally heavy showers are also likely in these areas.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Jajpur, Kataka, Dhenkanal, Anugola, Debagada, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Baleshwar, and Mayurbhanj, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected. For other districts, a Yellow Warning has been announced, cautioning residents about possible waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and flooding in low-lying areas.

The department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph in several districts. Continuous rainfall has already been recorded in Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar.

In Baleshwar, the impact of the active low pressure was evident early Thursday morning, with 137 mm of rainfall recorded by 5:30 AM.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying regions. Heavy rainfall could lead to water accumulation on roads, disruption of transport, and possible damage to crops.

With the system likely to intensify further, Odisha is bracing for another spell of widespread heavy rainfall.