Odisha Intensifies Rain Preparedness as IMD Forecasts Extremely Heavy Rain in Several Districts

Bhubaneswar: With heavy rain lashing several parts of Odisha and more intense showers forecast over the coming days, the State Government has stepped up its preparedness, placing the disaster management machinery on alert and directing district administrations to take all necessary precautionary measures.

The alert comes as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–West Bengal coast continues to influence weather conditions across the state. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sambalpur, Angul, Boudh, Subarnapur and Kandhamal are likely to witness isolated extremely heavy rainfall and have been placed under a Red Warning. An Orange Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Rayagada, while Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda remain under a Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall.

Rainfall activity has already intensified across the state. During the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on July 4, Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 24.8 mm, with Sohela block in Bargarh district receiving the highest rainfall of 202 mm. Six blocks recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, while 38 blocks and four urban monitoring stations received between 50 mm and 100 mm.

The State has recorded 94.2 mm of cumulative rainfall between July 1 and July 4, which is 115.8 per cent above the seasonal normal of 43.7 mm, indicating significantly higher-than-normal rainfall during the period.

Although rainfall has been widespread, officials said all major rivers continue to flow below their warning levels and no flood situation has been reported so far.

District administrations have been instructed to remain fully prepared to deal with possible localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of urban underpasses, and damage to vulnerable infrastructure and standing crops. Authorities have also appealed to the public to stay updated with official weather bulletins and avoid taking shelter under trees or venturing outdoors during thunderstorms.

Considering the prevailing weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast between July 4 and July 7.

Officials said the State Emergency Operation Centre is continuously monitoring the evolving weather situation in coordination with all concerned departments. While the overall situation remains normal, emergency response systems have been kept on standby to respond swiftly to any adverse weather-related incident.