Widespread rainfall in Odisha for next 24 hours, heavy spells in western and interior districts

Even as several parts of Odisha are experiencing rainfall activities following the onset of southwest monsoon, the Indian Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar on Monday predicted widespread rainfall in the state for the next 24 hours.

Several districts of western and interior Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rains under the influence of an active low pressure area, the IMD predicted.

The weather bureau said the low pressure is active over North Odisha and adjoining areas today while an associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 7.6 km above mean sea level persists. It is likely to move towards North Madhya Pradesh through Jharkhand and North Chhattisgarh in next 2 days, the weather department stated.

Under the influence of the system, widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty surface wind is very likely to occur. As per IMD reports, at least 13 districts of the state are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The districts are Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Angul, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kalahandi and Kandhamal.

There are chances of flooding in low-lying areas due to the heavy downpour, the IMD further warned and asked everyone to take precautionary measures.

Locals have been advised to take shelter in schools and government buildings as there are chances of houses being damaged and mud houses caving in under the influence of the heavy rain.