Heavy rain forecasted in Odisha until August 20: IMD warns of potential flooding

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday that heavy rain is expected to persist across several regions of Odisha until August 20, due to a low-pressure system over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjacent Bangladesh-West Bengal coasts.

In response to the forecast, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu has instructed the Collectors of 14 districts to be prepared for any potential emergencies during this period.

The low-pressure area is currently situated over the northern Bay of Bengal and the nearby coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above sea level and tilts southwestward with height.

The system is projected to move north-northwest over the next two days, evolving into a well-marked low-pressure area over Bangladesh and adjacent Gangetic West Bengal. It is then expected to shift west-northwestward across Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and neighboring areas.

The IMD’s forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall, prompting the SRC to alert the Collectors of Angul, Bargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Kendrapada, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh. There is a risk of flash floods or flood-like conditions in rivers and streams due to widespread rainfall and isolated heavy showers.

Urban areas may also experience waterlogging. The SRC has advised the Collectors to monitor embankments closely, especially at weak and vulnerable points, and to have flood-fighting materials ready at strategic locations to prevent breaches and damage to roads.