IMD Issues Rainfall Alerts Across Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Odisha due to a low-pressure area and a cyclonic circulation. Various districts received warnings, and fishermen were advised to avoid the sea until August 25. The Special Relief Commissioner has instructed district collectors to prepare for potential emergencies.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significant rainfall across several districts in Odisha over the next four days, spurred by the formation of a low-pressure area and a cyclonic circulation.

According to Manorama Mohanty, IMD Bhubaneswar centre director, the low-pressure area is currently positioned over northern West Bengal and is expected to move towards Jharkhand. In tandem, a cyclonic circulation has appeared over the Bay of Bengal, further contributing to the anticipated heavy rainfall.

An orange warning (be prepared) was issued for Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, and Keonjhar districts on Saturday, while a yellow warning (be updated) was declared for additional districts. Fishermen have been cautioned not to venture into the sea off the Odisha coast until August 25 as a precautionary measure.

In response, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed all district collectors to ensure their administrative teams are ready to address any potential emergencies. Since the start of the monsoon on June 1, Odisha has recorded an average rainfall of 734.6 mm, below the normal 831.8 mm. Malkangiri district experienced excess rainfall, 18 districts had normal levels, and 11 districts faced deficient rainfall.

(With inputs from agencies.)