TV
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next four days, as the state braces for another spell of intense showers at the onset of September.
According to the IMD, rainfall intensity will pick up from Saturday, with a statewide yellow alert and specific warnings issued for several districts likely to witness very heavy downpours.
Statewide Warning, Districts on High Alert
According to the regional meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar, 20 districts, including coastal, northern, western, and interior Odisha, have been placed under yellow alert for Friday due to the likelihood of heavy rain.
Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, and Koraput districts are expected to witness particularly intense downpours.
The IMD bulletin further cautioned that September 1 will see widespread heavy rainfall across the state, with Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj flagged for the possibility of extremely heavy showers. On September 2, all districts have again been brought under a yellow warning.
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Weather System Driving the Rainfall
Meteorologists attributed the prolonged wet spell to a cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal, which has strengthened into a low-pressure area.
The system is fuelling monsoon currents, sustaining widespread rainfall over Odisha. The IMD has warned that thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph may accompany showers in many areas.
While the heaviest rain is expected over the next two days, conditions are likely to persist into the first week of September before gradually easing.
Flood Concerns Add to Challenges
The fresh rain warnings come at a time when Odisha is already grappling with flood-related problems. In Jajpur district, a breach in the Kani river embankment earlier this week inundated several villages, damaging farmland and homes.
In Balasore, the Subarnarekha river triggered its fifth flood of the season, cutting off road connectivity in Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Bhograi blocks. Hundreds of villages remain marooned, while thousands of hectares of standing crops have been submerged.
