Bhubaneswar: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-priority ‘Red Warning’ for severe weather in several districts of Odisha. As a depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies, seven districts, including Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack, are on alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
The IMD’s regional office in Bhubaneswar announced that the depression is expected to strengthen into a deep depression, creating a significant weather event for the state. Districts under this alert include Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Nayagarh, Angul, and Dhenkanal. These regions are expected to bear the brunt of the weather system as it moves inland.
Deepening Depression Over Bay of Bengal
According to the IMD, the depression formed from a well-marked low-pressure area that had been hovering over the northwest and central Bay of Bengal. As of the latest updates, the system is approximately:
- 310 km east of Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- 260 km east-southeast of Gopalpur, Odisha.
- 290 km south-southeast of Paradeea. Odisha.
- 410 km south at Digha, West Bengal.
The depression is expected to move northwestwards, heading towards the northern coasts of Odisha and West Bengal. It is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours, followed by further movement west-northwest across north Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and adjoining parts of Chhattisgarh over the next two days.
IMD’s Red Warning: What It Means
A red warning is the highest level of weather alert issued by the IMD, signifying the potential for severe weather that could lead to widespread disruption and damage. In this case, the expected heavy to extremely heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Manorama Mohapatra, Director of the Bhubaneswar Met Centre, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “We are urging people in the affected districts to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The intensity of the rainfall and the rapid development of the system could lead to dangerous conditions, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” she said.
Impact on Coastal and Inland Areas
The districts under the red warning are coastal and semi-coastal regions, known for their susceptibility to severe weather events originating from the Bay of Bengal. With heavy rains forecast, these areas could face significant disruptions. Coastal erosion, localized flooding, and strong winds are anticipated, particularly in Puri, Paradip, and Jagatsinghpur.
The impact, however, will not be limited to the coastal districts. The depression's trajectory suggests that it will continue to affect inland areas such as Angul and Dhenkanal, bringing heavy rainfall and possibly leading to riverine flooding.
State Readies for Response
In response to the IMD’s warning, the Odisha government has intensified its preparedness efforts. District administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert, with evacuation and relief plans ready for execution if necessary. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on standby to assist in rescue and relief operations.
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea, with the oceanic conditions expected to become perilous as the system intensifies. Meanwhile, residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to relocate to safer ground and prepare for possible evacuation.
Conclusion
As Odisha braces for this intensifying weather event, caution and preparedness remain paramount. The IMD’s red warning signals the severity of the situation, and residents of the affected districts are urged to stay informed and adhere to official advisories. The next 24 to 48 hours will be critical as the state faces the challenge of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall that could have far-reaching impacts.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, ensuring that they are ready to face any eventuality as the depression strengthens and moves inland.