Bhubaneswar, July 4: The Odisha Government has stepped up its disaster preparedness as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–West Bengal coast continues to bring widespread rainfall across the State. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), is functioning round the clock in close coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres to monitor the evolving weather situation.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sambalpur, Angul, Boudh, Subarnapur (Sonepur) and Kandhamal districts are under a Red Warning for isolated extremely heavy rainfall. An Orange Warning has been issued for 20 districts, including Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Ganjam, Koraput and Kalahandi, while six other districts remain under a Yellow Warning.

During the last 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on July 4, the State recorded an average rainfall of 24.8 mm, with Sohela block in Bargarh district receiving the highest rainfall of 202 mm. Despite the heavy showers, all major rivers are flowing below the warning level.

The Government has directed district administrations to remain fully prepared for localized flooding, waterlogging and damage to vulnerable infrastructure and crops. Residents have been urged to stay alert, follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea from July 4 to July 7 due to rough weather conditions.

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