Odisha Government Puts 14 Districts on High Alert Amid Heavy Rainfall Warning

The Odisha government has placed 14 districts on high alert following a warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. A Special Relief Commissioner urged preparedness for potential flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging, particularly in urban areas.

The Odisha government has heightened the alert level in 14 districts after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal. The districts under alert include Angul, Bargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh, as per Met officials.

In a communiqué to district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu warned of possible flash floods, flood-like conditions, and waterlogging, especially in urban zones. The SRC emphasized the need for field-level functionaries to be prepared for any emergency, including potential landslides in hilly regions.

Sahu also advised engineers to closely monitor the embankments, particularly vulnerable points along rivers and canals. The SRC quoted the IMD bulletin stating, ''Under the influence of the low pressure, widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy showers is likely over Odisha from August 16 to 20.'' A red warning has been issued for Balasore and Bhadrak districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall above 20 cm by Saturday morning.

The fisheries and animal resources development department has been instructed to ensure that fishermen do not venture into the sea between August 16 and August 20 due to anticipated rough conditions. Coastal districts have also been directed to ensure the safety of fishermen with advisories for those already at sea to return to shore immediately.