Heavy rains persisted in various regions of Odisha on Wednesday, attributed to an active low-pressure system affecting the area. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an Orange Warning for five districts and a Yellow Warning for an additional 17 districts.

The IMD reported that the current monsoon rainfall, which commenced during the Rath Yatra, is anticipated to continue for at least two more days. This forecast raises concerns about potential heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across multiple parts of the state.

Orange Warning for Five Districts

The districts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Nuapada are under an Orange Warning from the IMD. These areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, along with thunderstorms and lightning.

Yellow Warning for Seventeen Districts

A Yellow Warning has been issued for the following districts: Deogarh, Sonepur, Balangir, Boudh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. Residents in these areas are likely to see thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rain in isolated spots.

IMD Advises Caution

The weather agency has advised the public to stay vigilant during thunderstorms and to avoid seeking shelter under trees or venturing into waterlogged areas during intense rainfall and lightning events.

Given the forecast of the active low-pressure system, district administrations have been urged to prepare for potential localized flooding, waterlogging, and disruptions related to rain, especially in districts under the Orange and Yellow warnings.

The IMD has encouraged individuals to keep track of official weather updates and to exercise caution while traveling over the next couple of days as monsoon conditions remain active across Odisha.