TV
Odisha is bracing up for a prolonged spell of intense rainfall as a well-marked low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbouring areas continues to impact large parts of the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Thursday, forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts till June 24, with warnings extended through June 25 in some areas.
The IMD bulletin issued Wednesday stated that the system is likely to drift slowly towards Jharkhand, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.
The sustained wet conditions are expected to disrupt normal life and pose risks of localised landslides, crop damage, and waterlogging.
Red, Orange, and Yellow Warnings Across the State
The weather office has issued a Red Warning, the highest category, urging immediate action in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, where extremely heavy rainfall is likely.
Orange Alerts (be prepared) are in place for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, and Balasore while Yellow Alerts (stay updated) have been issued for Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, and Bhadrak.
Additional rainfall advisories include expected gusty winds between 30–40 kmph and thunderstorms in Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
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Fishermen, Tourists Urged to Stay Cautious
With sea conditions turning increasingly rough due to the active system in the Bay of Bengal, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast on June 18 and 19.
Ports and naval installations have been asked to exercise caution, and tourism activities have been discouraged temporarily.
Rain to Continue Through June 24; Life Disrupted
District administrations in high-alert zones have been advised to keep evacuation plans ready and ensure safe shelter arrangements for vulnerable populations.
The IMD advisory specifically urges residents in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda to stay alert and be prepared to move to safer places if required.
So far, rainfall has affected mobility and daily life in multiple districts, and more downpours are expected in the coming days. Though the heaviest showers are forecast through June 22, updated models suggest continued instability and precipitation till June 25 in several parts of the state.
