Odisha Prepares for Heavy Rain as Depression Forms in Bay of Bengal

Odisha is set to experience heavy rainfall over the next four days due to a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression. The IMD has issued warnings for various districts, with fishermen advised against heading to sea due to expected squally weather.

Odisha is bracing for a wet spell for the next four days as the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a depression on Sunday, according to the IMD.

The system currently lies as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest and adjoining Central Bay of Bengal, stated a bulletin.

The IMD forecasts that the system will move northwards and intensify into a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal by September 8. It will then likely move west-northwestwards across Gangetic West Bengal, north Odisha, Jharkhand, and adjoining north Chhattisgarh over the next three days.

Heavy rainfall has already been recorded in the past 24 hours, with Khairmal in Boud district receiving the highest downpour of 81 mm.

The IMD has predicted heavy rain (7 cm to 11 cm) in Puri, Khurdha, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri in the next 24 hours.

An 'orange' warning for heavy to very heavy rain has been issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput districts on Sunday. A 'yellow' warning has also been issued for other districts, including Kendrapada, Khurda, Puri, and Cuttack.

Rain is expected across most parts of the state from Monday to Wednesday. Squally weather with strong winds is likely to prevail along the coast, making it dangerous for fishermen to venture into the sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)