Heavy rainfall continues in Odisha due to depression influence; IMD issues Red Alert

Rain continues to lash Odisha under the influence of an active depression. The system remains concentrated over South Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh, leading to intense rainfall across various parts of the state.

Additionally, a low-pressure area over Northwest Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining regions is intensifying further. As a result of these weather systems, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to persist in several districts.

In view of the situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Odisha, warning of continued heavy downpours and urging people to remain cautious.

"The low-pressure area, which was created over the north Bay of Bengal on Sunday, gradually moved in the north-west direction and turned into a depression on Monday afternoon. It has been centered in the northeast of Kolkata. It will gradually move in the north-west direction. Under its influence, North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand ,and North Chhattisgarh are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow. Few places may experience up to 20 cm rainfall," said IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

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The sea is also turbulent under its effect. It will remain turbulent today and tomorrow. The wind flow is currently 40 to 50 km per hour. The fishermen should avoid venturing into the sea due to the inclement weather. People in the coastal areas should be careful. Local cautionary signal No. 3 has been hoisted. Wind speeds up to 30-40 km per hour are expected in land areas in North Odisha today and tomorrow. People should be careful," he further said.

"Odisha has been experiencing a good amount of rain for the last 15-20 days due to the formation of some low-pressure systems. As a result, the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers were flooded. Those areas are likely to witness heavy rain. The amount of rain is likely to increase in the upper and lower catchment areas of the Mahanadi, Bramhani, and Baitarani rivers from tomorrow. North Odisha and Western Odisha will experience extremely heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, respectively. Barring a few places, Southern Odisha will experience less amount of rainfall," he added.