Bhubaneswar, July 3: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for several districts of Odisha, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy showers at isolated places over the next two days under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The weather office has urged district administrations and the public to remain alert as the state braces for intense monsoon activity.
For July 4, the IMD has placed Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts under a Red Alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. An Orange Warning has also been issued for Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Nabarangapur, Gajapati and Ganjam districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely. Meanwhile, 17 other districts, including Balasore, Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj, are under a Yellow Warning for heavy rain.
On July 5, the intense rainfall activity is expected to shift eastward. Sambalpur, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh and Kandhamal have been placed under Red Alert, while Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Nayagarh are under Orange Warning. Several coastal and southern districts will continue to remain under Yellow Alert.
From July 6 to July 8, rainfall activity is expected to remain concentrated over northern Odisha. Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj will remain under Orange Warning throughout the period, while districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul and Dhenkanal will continue under Yellow Alert.
The IMD has advised authorities to prepare for possible waterlogging, flash floods in hilly areas and disruption of road traffic. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor official weather updates and take necessary precautions. Fishermen have also been warned not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast until conditions improve.
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