Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in seven districts of Odisha today.

The weather department has issued red alerts for seven districts in Odisha: Puri, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal. The alerts come as the deep depression over south Odisha moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours and weakened into a depression.

While it is expected to gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours, the system will continue to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of south Odisha.

In addition to the red warnings for seven districts, the regional weather centre has also issued orange alerts for 16 districts and yellow alerts for another seven, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall across these areas.