Odisha Under Red Alert: Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding & Closures!
Odisha Under Red Alert: Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding & Closures!
Odisha battles relentless downpour! IMD issues 'red warning' as heavy rains lead to waterlogging, rising rivers, and school closures. Stay updated on the severe weather impact.
Odisha is currently bracing for an intense spell of weather as heavy rainfall continues to lash the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "red warning," indicating very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the entire state. This severe weather event is primarily due to a well-marked low-pressure area that has intensified over the North Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Bangladesh-West Bengal coast. This system is now moving northwestwards and is expected to concentrate into a depression within the next 12 hours, impacting not just Odisha but also Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The continuous downpour has already led to significant disruptions. In the last 24 hours, various parts of Odisha have recorded exceptionally high rainfall. Bhograi in Balasore district topped the charts with a staggering 236 mm of rain, followed closely by Shyamakhuntam with 230 mm. Baripada in Mayurbhanj district saw 215 mm, while Rajghat in Balasore district recorded 204 mm. Even Balasore town itself registered 137 mm by Thursday morning. These extreme rainfall figures have caused rivers like Budhabalanga and Jalaka in the Balasore district to swell, raising concerns about potential flooding.
The capital city, Bhubaneswar, along with other urban centers, is experiencing the brunt of the weather. Balasore town, in particular, has reported extensive waterlogging, disrupting daily life and making commuting difficult for residents. In response to the escalating situation and to ensure public safety, authorities in several affected districts have taken proactive measures, including declaring the closure of all educational institutions.
In light of the hazardous conditions, the IMD has also issued a strict advisory to fishermen. They have been strongly cautioned against venturing into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha-West Bengal-Bangladesh coast until August 14. This measure is crucial to prevent any marine accidents given the anticipated rough seas and adverse weather conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors, take necessary precautions, and remain updated with official weather advisories as the situation develops.
