Fresh low-pressure system triggers severe downpours across Odisha districts

Heavy monsoon spells have returned to batter southern and interior districts of Odisha after a fresh low-pressure area developed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal on Sunday morning. Formed under the grip of an active cyclonic circulation off the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts, this weather system brought intense deluges, pushing rain gauges to record levels in Kalahandi and Rayagada.

Thuamool Rampur in Kalahandi marked the highest downpour in the state over the past 24 hours, recording an extraordinary 345 mm of precipitation. Gunupur and Kashipur in Rayagada followed closely with 260 mm and 212 mm respectively, while Jaipatna logged 200 mm.

Rising Rain Warnings Across Districts

Weather officials at the India Meteorological Department warned that intense wet conditions will persist over the coming days. Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Koraput face risks of very heavy spells on Sunday, with the focus shifting toward Sundaragada and Sambalpur on Monday.

Forecasters placed Sundaragada and Sambalpur on orange alert for August 24 and 25. Meanwhile, yellow warnings remain active for several belts, including Jharsuguda, Balangir, Subarnapur, Baleshwar, and Bhadrak, due to potential lightning, gusty surface winds, and localized inundation.

Rough Coastal Seas and Preparedness

Coastal stretches face dangerous weather conditions, with wind speeds expected to touch 40 to 50 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 60 kmph along the Odisha, West Bengal, and North Andhra Pradesh coastlines until August 24. Fishermen have been told to stay ashore and avoid venturing into deep waters during this rough phase.

This relentless spell adds fresh anxiety for administrative teams, as nearly one million residents across six districts recently dealt with severe flood situations. Historically, consecutive monsoon depressions in the Bay of Bengal place immense pressure on river drainage networks throughout southern and western Odisha.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil stated that district administrations across 19 districts are operating on high alert. Four senior officers, including three IAS personnel, have been sent to critical zones such as Kendrapada. A total of 86 emergency response squads, including 32 ODRAF, eight NDRF, and 46 Fire and Emergency units, are actively stationed in vulnerable areas to execute relief and rescue duties.