Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], September 1 (ANI): Intense rainfall in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha has led to rainwater flooding homes in various villages, resulting in the collapse of many mud structures.

Tapas Kumar Mohanta, the Emergency Sub-Collector of Mayurbhanj, reported that a red alert for heavy rainfall was declared for August 29 and 30. He mentioned that the district administration has notified all Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Tehsildars, who are currently managing water drainage efforts in affected low-lying areas.

‘We received an advance ‘Red Alert’ warning from the IMD for Mayurbhanj, predicting heavy rainfall. Warnings were issued for heavy rain on August 29 and 30… An alert has been issued for low-lying areas due to the heavy downpour. The district administration has alerted all Tehsildars and BDOs, who are currently overseeing water drainage operations in these low-lying areas… Tehsildars have assessed the damage to houses and submitted reports; compensation will be provided in accordance with SDRF norms. Instructions have been issued to evacuate residents from low-lying areas if the rainfall intensifies.’

In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts widespread rainfall from September 1 to 6 across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, and Gangetic West Bengal from September 1 to 3, as well as over Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha from September 1 to 2.

Following this period, rainfall activity is expected to subside to isolated or scattered occurrences over Gangetic West Bengal from September 4 to 6, and similarly for Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha from September 3 to 6.

Furthermore, isolated severe weather events, including thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h (with gusts up to 60 km/h), are anticipated over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Odisha on September 1 and 2.

Moderate winds of 30 to 40 km/h (with gusts up to 50 km/h) are also expected over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on September 3 and 4, as well as across Gangetic West Bengal and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on September 1 and 2, along with Bihar and Jharkhand from September 1 to 4.