Bhubaneswar, September 22: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alert for Odisha, predicting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the state over the next seven days. The alert also indicates the potential formation of a depression over the Bay of Bengal later this week.
According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a low-pressure area is currently situated over the northeastern Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move west-northwestward toward the northwest Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours. In addition, another low-pressure system is likely to develop around September 25 and intensify into a depression by September 26.
The depression is anticipated to move toward the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh around September 27.
Given the ongoing developments, the IMD has issued color-coded warnings for all 30 districts in Odisha over the next week:
September 22 & 23 : An Orange Warning (Be Prepared) for heavy to very heavy rainfall is in effect for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur. A Yellow Warning (Be Aware) for heavy rain and thunderstorms is in place for most other districts.
September 24 to 26: The alert remains high, with Orange Warnings issued for the southern districts of Koraput and Malkangiri, as the system’s path becomes clearer.
September 27 & 28: The warnings will scale down to a Yellow Alert for isolated heavy rain, primarily in the western districts.
The IMD has highlighted several potential impacts, including damage to crops, vulnerable structures, power lines, and roads. Localized flooding, waterlogging in urban areas, disruptions to traffic, and landslides in vulnerable areas are also anticipated.
Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid unnecessary travel, and refrain from seeking shelter under trees. Residents in coastal areas and vulnerable structures are urged to prepare for potential evacuations if necessary. People are also advised to stay updated on traffic advisories and avoid waterlogged areas.
A major warning has been issued for fishermen, as squally weather with wind speeds ranging from 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, is expected along the Odisha coast from September 22 to 26. Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the sea during this period.