Heavy Rain Likely To Continue In Odisha, Weather Agency Issues Red Warning

Odisha experienced heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensified. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for the entire state, predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The system moved northwestwards across the North Bay of Bengal and could potentially form a depression within the next 12 hours.

Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are also expected to be affected by the ongoing wet spell. The IMD advised fishermen to avoid the North Bay of Bengal and the Odisha-West Bengal-Bangladesh coast until August 14. The highest rainfall recorded was 236 mm in Bhograi, Balasore district, followed by 230 mm in Shyamakhuntam, 215 mm in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, and 204 mm in Rajghat, Balasore district.

Balasore town saw the highest rainfall of 137 mm by 5.30 am. Rivers like Budhabalanga and Jalaka in Balasore district saw a rise in water levels due to heavy rains, leading to waterlogging in parts of the town. Educational institutions in Mayurbhanj district were closed as a precautionary measure. The IMD warned of wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph along the Odisha coast due to the impact of the low-pressure system, advising residents to stay alert during thunderstorms and lightning and follow weather advisories.