Bhubaneswar: Intense rainfall has impacted various regions of Odisha, driven by a low-pressure system located in the northwestern Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red warning’ for five districts as of Sunday.

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is anticipated across several districts in Odisha until August 26. In the past 24 hours, ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, numerous areas experienced heavy to extremely heavy precipitation. Notably, two locations reported over 200 mm of rainfall.

The districts of Kataka, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur are under a ‘red warning,’ indicating the need for immediate action due to predicted heavy rains.

In Kalahandi district, Thuamul Rampur recorded an extraordinary 345 mm of rainfall, while Kashipur in Rayagada district saw 212 mm. Additionally, nineteen other locations received between 100 mm and 200 mm of rain during the same period. The upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, near the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, intensified into a low-pressure area at around 5:30 am on Sunday, according to the IMD.

An ‘orange warning,’ suggesting readiness to take action, has also been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Debagada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Kandhamala, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada, and Rayagada districts for Sunday.

Meanwhile, a ‘yellow warning,’ indicating awareness, has been issued for Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts. The IMD forecasts that these weather conditions will continue across the state until August 26. Additionally, squally weather with wind speeds of 40-60 km/h is expected over the Bay of Bengal and along the West Bengal coast, affecting Odisha until Monday. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into sea waters off the Odisha coast until August 24 due to rough conditions.