Bhubaneswar, 21 October (H.S.): The Odisha government has placed its administrative machinery on high alert amid forecasts of back-to-back low-pressure systems developing over the Bay of Bengal, which are likely to bring widespread rainfall across the state till October 25.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday that the state is closely monitoring updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and various global weather agencies. While no official cyclone warning has been issued yet, he emphasised that precautionary measures are being taken to ensure zero casualties in case of any adverse weather event.

“The formation of a low-pressure system does not necessarily mean a cyclone will follow. Weather systems often change their path, direction, or intensity. Regardless of whether a cyclone develops or not, our focus remains on preparedness, and the government is fully equipped to handle any situation,” the Minister stated.

According to the IMD’s latest projections, two separate low-pressure areas are likely to form over the Bay of Bengal in quick succession. As a result, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, particularly in southern Odisha districts.

The IMD has issued red alerts for parts of southern Odisha and orange alerts for several coastal areas, warning of continuous rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds through the week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda