Odisha Braces for Heavy Rainfall: IMD Issues Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rainfall in Odisha for the next two days, impacting multiple districts including Angul, Dhenkanal, and Cuttack. From June 1 to July 31, Odisha's average rainfall was slightly below normal. Major river water levels remain below danger levels. Hirakud Dam gates have been partially closed.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating that Odisha will experience heavy rainfall over the next two days. The IMD's Bhubaneswar center expects heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Angul, Dhenkanal, and Cuttack on Thursday.

On Friday, the heavy rainfall is predicted to affect Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, and Deogarh districts. The IMD stated that from June 1 to July 31, Odisha received an average rainfall of 489.5 mm, which is slightly below the usual 550.7 mm level. Malkangiri district reported large excess rainfall, while Koraput, Nuapada, and Boudh experienced excess rainfall.

At present, the water levels of all major rivers in the state are below the danger mark. The Baitarani River was recorded at 17.28 metres at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, under the warning level of 17.83 metres. In response to decreasing water levels, authorities at the Hirakud Dam have closed two of the 20 gates that were opened to release excess water from the Mahanadi River.

(With inputs from agencies.)