Bhubaneswar, July 4: The Odisha government is keeping a close watch on the developing weather conditions as a well-marked low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of north Odisha and West Bengal continues to bring widespread rainfall across the State.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), functioning under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), has been placed on round-the-clock alert and is coordinating closely with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) to manage any emerging situation.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated pockets expected to receive extremely heavy showers. A red warning has been issued for Sambalpur, Angul, Boudh, Sonepur and Kandhamal districts, where isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely.
An orange warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.
Meanwhile, yellow warning districts include Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda, which are likely to witness heavy rainfall at isolated places.
During the 24-hour period ending 8:30 a.m. on July 4, the State recorded an average rainfall of 24.8 mm. Sohela block in Bargarh district received the highest rainfall at 202 mm. Six blocks recorded rainfall exceeding 100 mm, while 38 blocks and four urban local body stations recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.
Overall, Odisha has received 94.2 mm of rainfall between July 1 and July 4, which is 115.8% above the normal average of 43.7 mm for the period.
Despite the heavy rainfall in several regions, all major rivers in the State are currently flowing below the warning level, officials said.
The government has instructed district administrations in red, orange and yellow warning areas to remain fully prepared for any emergency situation. Authorities have been advised to take preventive measures against localized flooding, urban waterlogging, disruption of underpasses, and potential damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures, horticultural crops, and standing crops.
People have been urged to stay alert, follow official weather updates, and avoid exposure during thunderstorms, particularly taking precautions against lightning strikes.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast between July 4 and July 7 due to adverse sea conditions.
The SEOC continues to monitor the situation in coordination with district administrations and concerned departments. Officials stated that the overall situation remains under control, and the government is fully prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies.
