IMD Predicts Rainfall in Himachal and Odisha; Red Alert Issued

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and heavy downpours in Odisha. A red alert has been issued in Odisha due to the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen are advised to avoid deep-sea activities until September 11.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light to moderate rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the next couple of hours. Regions likely to be affected include Bilaspur, Una, Harimpur, Solan, and Kangra districts, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Additionally, light rainfall is expected in Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan districts over the next two to three hours. A red alert has also been issued for Odisha on September 9, anticipating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall due to the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal.

Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, stated that the deep depression is around 50 kilometers east-southeast of Puri and is likely to cross the Odisha coast within three hours. This has prompted a red alert for extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts including Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Boudh, Balangir, and Puri, with an orange alert for several other districts. Malkangiri recorded the highest rainfall of 253 mm in the last 24 hours, raising concerns of landslides and flood-like situations in hilly areas. Fishermen are warned against venturing into deep-sea regions till September 11.

The seasonal cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 9 stands at 908.6mm, slightly below the normal value of 1001.1mm, according to the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.

(With inputs from agencies.)