Bhubaneswar, 14 August (H.S.): Odisha is set to experience a fresh spell of heavy rainfall over the next three days due to a developing low-pressure system over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, near the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced.

According to the regional Met office, the system is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. Rainfall that began on Wednesday has continued across the state, with moderate to heavy showers expected throughout the day.

An orange alert has been issued for Koraput and Malkangiri districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall in the range of 7 cm to 20 cm is likely. The remaining 28 districts are under a yellow alert, with heavy rain forecast. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may also accompany the rainfall in some regions.

The IMD has also placed the entire state under a yellow alert for August 15 and 16, cautioning that persistent rain may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruption of road transport.

In light of rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea until August 16.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda