Bhubaneswar: The weather system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified further, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming that the well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha-West Bengal coast has developed into a Depression.
According to the IMD, the Depression is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Odisha coast between Chandbali and Digha, close to Balasore, within the next 24 hours. After landfall, the system is expected to continue its movement across north Odisha and north Chhattisgarh, bringing widespread rainfall and gusty weather conditions.
Under the influence of the Depression, Odisha has already been experiencing intense rainfall over the past 24 hours, with several districts reporting heavy to very heavy showers.
Khajuripada in Kandhamal district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 276 mm. Other areas receiving more than 200 mm of rainfall include Tureikela (264 mm), Phulbani (224.4 mm), Phiringia (223.6 mm), G. Udayagiri (220 mm), Tikabali (217 mm), Baliguda (210 mm), Titilagarh (205.4 mm), and Chakapad (204.6 mm).
In view of the evolving weather situation, the IMD has issued a Red Warning for Bargarh, Sambalpur, and Nuapada districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sonepur, Balangir, and Kalahandi, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at one or two locations.
Meanwhile, a Yellow Warning remains in effect for Balasore, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri districts, with forecasts of heavy rainfall at isolated places.
The state administration and disaster management authorities have been placed on alert, while residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely follow official weather advisories as the Depression approaches the Odisha coast.
