Bhubaneswar, 25 August (H.S.): Odisha is set to witness widespread rainfall over the next three days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts across multiple districts as a low-pressure system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the system is likely to strengthen within 24 hours, bringing very heavy rainfall till August 28. The IMD has cautioned of possible waterlogging and flood-like situations in low-lying areas.

For August 25, an orange warning has been issued for Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara, while the remaining 28 districts are under a yellow alert. On August 26, Kandhamal and Gajapati will be under orange alert, with the rest of the state remaining under yellow alert. On August 27, the entire state will remain under yellow warning, while Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Koraput are expected to receive very heavy rainfall.

The IMD had earlier predicted the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha–West Bengal coasts, around August 25, which is expected to fuel the rain activity.

Officials have warned that the prolonged spell of rain may disrupt normal life and affect festive celebrations such as Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai in different parts of the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda