IMD issues a Heavy Rainfall for Odisha; Red Alert Forms Over the Bay of Bengal
Heavy Rainfall: The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall across Odisha. A well-marked Low-Pressure System over the Bay of Bengal will intensify to a Depression within 24 hours. A weather system brings widespread rainfall to the state. The coastal and southern areas are already experiencing constant downpours.
As the Bay of Bengal low-pressure area continues to strengthen, a heavy rain warning is issued. IMD officials say that this weather system is expected to trigger heavy rains in multiple Odisha districts over the next 3 days.
Today, the districts of Malkangiri and Koraput have been put under orange alert due to heavy rains that may cause severe flooding and waterlogging. Since morning, the twin cities of Cuttack & Bhubaneswar have been experiencing steady rains. This has caused significant traffic and normal life disruptions.
Regional Meteorological Centre issued warnings in yellow for the majority of districts throughout Odisha. Residents are advised to be extremely cautious during this heavy rain period. Experts predict the rain will continue for the next 72 hours, with intensity differing across the different districts of Odisha.
IMD issued a yellow alert in the rest of Odisha, but an orange warning for Saturday. Heavy rainfall is predicted to affect agricultural activities, transport networks, and everyday life in Odisha.
In response to heavy rain forecasts, the district administration of Malkangiri declared today a holiday in all educational institutes. The district administration in Malkangiri has declared a holiday for all educational institutions today to ensure student safety amid adverse weather conditions.
Officials have advised citizens to avoid travel during heavy rain periods, stay inside, and watch for weather updates. All districts with heavy rain warnings have put emergency response teams on alert.
It is feared that the current situation of heavy rains could lead to flooding, especially in areas with low-lying terrain. This will be particularly true in the coastal regions where it’s expected to have a greater impact. The farmers have been urged to take the necessary measures to prevent their crops from being damaged by heavy rain and flooding.
Local authorities monitor the situation of heavy rains and have established an emergency helpline for those residents who need assistance in this emergency. To prepare for heavy rains, drainage systems are being cleaned in major cities.
India Meteorological Department
The India Meteorological Department is India’s national meteorological agency. It provides weather forecasts and monitoring as well as early warning systems of extreme weather phenomena such as heavy rain, cyclones, and other meteorological events. IMD was established in 1875 and operates as part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is the primary source of weather information and alerts for the entire country.
