Odisha: As the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened into a well-defined storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall across 19 of Odisha’s 30 districts on Monday. The IMD also issued a warning for fishermen to refrain from venturing into the northern Bay of Bengal for the next 24 hours, as gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, possibly reaching up to 60 kmph, are expected along and off the north Odisha coast.
In its morning update, the IMD mentioned that the low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal and nearby coastal regions of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and north Odisha has shifted north-northwestward and is now positioned as a well-marked low-pressure system over southwestern Bangladesh and adjacent Gangetic West Bengal. It is anticipated to continue moving northwest and potentially develop into a depression within the next 24 hours.
The IMD has issued a ‘red’ alert for extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 centimeters in three districts—Mayurbhanj, Keonhar, and Sundargarh. Additionally, a ‘orange’ warning has been issued for five districts—Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore—where rainfall between 12 to 20 centimeters is expected. Meanwhile, 11 other districts have received a yellow warning for heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 centimeters.
The weather department also cautioned about the risk of local flooding, landslides, damage to crops and vulnerable houses, traffic disruptions, and challenges to inland water transport caused by waterlogging and reduced visibility.