Heavy rainfall caused by a low-pressure system situated over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has severely impacted several regions in Odisha.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), five districts were placed under a ‘red warning’ on Sunday. The adverse weather conditions are anticipated to continue affecting various parts of Odisha until August 26.

In the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Sunday, numerous areas experienced significant rainfall, with at least two locations measuring over 200 mm of precipitation. The districts of Kataka, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur are under the IMD’s ‘red warning,’ indicating a need for immediate action due to expected heavy rains.

Notably, Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district recorded a staggering 345 mm of rainfall, while Kashipur in Rayagada district received 212 mm. In total, 19 additional locations reported rainfall between 100 mm and 200 mm during the same period.

The upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coastline, strengthened into a low-pressure area around 5:30 am on Sunday. In response, the IMD has issued an ‘orange warning’ (indicating preparedness) for several districts including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Sambalpur, Debagada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Kandhamala, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada, and Rayagada for the same day.

Additionally, a ‘yellow warning’ (advising caution) has been issued for Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts. The state is expected to experience similar weather conditions through August 26.