Bhubaneswar, August 8: The flood situation in northern Odisha is likely to remain challenging as more rainfall is forecast across the state in the coming days. Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of the Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University, has predicted that rainfall will continue in Odisha till August 17, with moderate rain likely in most places and heavy showers possible at isolated locations.

The forecast has raised concerns in several flood-affected areas of northern Odisha, where many pockets remain waterlogged. The rising Salandi river has added to the worry, while the Jalaka is already flowing above its danger mark. The Baitarani is also steadily approaching the danger level, with the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers showing a gradual rise in water levels.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh is becoming more organised. It is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area by Saturday and remain over Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining northwestern Bay of Bengal.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards, broadly parallel to the monsoon trough, towards Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining northern Odisha, Jharkhand and north Chhattisgarh. Its influence is likely to keep rainfall activity active across Odisha.

By Saturday morning, northern and western Odisha are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Heavy rain is also possible at isolated places in central and southern parts of the state, while Mayurbhanj could witness very heavy rainfall.

Heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir.

Several places may also experience thunderstorms accompanied by rain. The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity is likely to continue until August 13, with no major improvement expected immediately thereafter.