Bhubaneswar, July 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an Orange Warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in four districts of Odisha over the next 24 hours, while forecasting widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state until August 5. Although the Deep Depression that triggered the recent spell of intense rainfall has moved into central Chhattisgarh, its influence is expected to keep monsoon activity active over Odisha for the next several days.

According to the IMD's midday weather bulletin, the Deep Depression, which earlier crossed Odisha, was centred over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining north interior Odisha at 8.30 am on Wednesday. The system is likely to move further westwards across Chhattisgarh and east Madhya Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

The weather office has issued an Orange Warning for Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places. A Yellow Warning has also been issued for Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Balangir, Kandhamal, Rayagada and Malkangiri districts. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at most places across the state.

Between July 30 and August 2, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely over several districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri.

The IMD further forecast that heavy rainfall will continue in different parts of Odisha through August 5. Kandhamal, Rayagada and Gajapati are likely to receive heavy rain on August 2, followed by Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Gajapati on August 3. Heavy rainfall is also expected over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Keonjhar on August 4.

The weather department warned that persistent rainfall may trigger localised flooding, waterlogging, traffic disruptions, reduced visibility, minor landslides and damage to standing crops. People have been advised to avoid waterlogged areas, remain alert during thunderstorms and follow official weather advisories while travelling.

Powered by Froala Editor