Bhubaneswar, 03 July (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Koraput and Malkangiri districts as an active low-pressure area is set to trigger heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha on Friday.

According to the IMD, southern Odisha is expected to bear the brunt of the weather system, with Koraput and Malkangiri likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has also been sounded for Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast.

The weather office has further issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Boudh, Subarnapur, Balangir, Nuapada, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj districts.

The IMD said rainfall activity is expected to intensify over the state under the influence of the active low-pressure system, with isolated places in southern Odisha likely to witness very heavy to extremely heavy showers. The department has cautioned that intense rainfall may lead to waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas, besides causing disruption to normal life.

Meanwhile, in view of rough sea conditions, the IMD, in coordination with fisheries authorities, has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next four days and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda