TV
A fresh low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast on Sunday, raising the prospect of widespread rain across the state over the next four days, informed the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather department has also warned that the system is likely to intensify into a depression within 24 hours, triggering very heavy rainfall in several southern and western districts of Odisha.
According to the forecast, showers have already begun in parts of the state and will gain intensity over the next 48 hours. The system is expected to remain active till August 20, with multiple rounds of heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty surface winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph.
Orange Alert for Southern Odisha
For Monday (August 18), the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Koraput and Malkangiri, warning of extremely heavy rainfall that could disrupt normal life.
On Tuesday (August 19), Koraput and Kalahandi districts will remain under Orange Warning, while adjoining districts may receive heavy showers under a Yellow Alert.
Officials cautioned that continuous downpour could trigger waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides in hilly regions, and flash floods in vulnerable pockets.
Day-wise Forecast Highlights
Day 1 (Aug 17–18): Yellow Alert for 24 districts, including Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj. Heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning are expected.
Day 2 (Aug 18–19): Orange Alert for Koraput and Malkangiri; Yellow Alert for Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Nuapada. Several coastal and western districts may also witness thunderstorms.
Day 3 (Aug 19–20): Orange Alert for Koraput and Kalahandi; Yellow Alert for Malkangiri and Bolangir, with widespread showers in most other districts.
Day 4 (Aug 20–21): Yellow Alert for coastal districts including Puri, Khordha, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur, with thunderstorms and lightning likely.
Fishermen Warned, Disaster Preparedness On
Sea conditions are expected to remain rough from August 18 to 20, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing into the deep sea.
District administrations in southern Odisha have been asked to remain on high alert and prepare for possible evacuation in vulnerable pockets if rainfall intensifies further.
Officials from the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office said that emergency response teams are being kept on standby.
