Bhubaneswar, 24 August (H.S.): Rainfall activity is likely to remain intense across Odisha over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in several districts till the end of August.

According to the IMD’s midday bulletin issued on Monday, an Orange Warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Boudh during Day 1, covering August 24-25.

A Yellow Warning has also been issued for heavy rainfall in parts of Angul, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The weather department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph in several districts on Day 1. Similar weather conditions, including lightning and gusty winds, are likely to persist on Days 2 and 3.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue on Days 4, 5 and 6, with different districts coming under Yellow Warning during these periods.

For August 30-31 (Day 7), the IMD has issued another Orange Warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj. A Yellow Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.

The IMD said a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining areas of north Odisha, Jharkhand and the northwest Bay of Bengal was centred over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining areas of Jharkhand and north Odisha at 8:30 am IST on August 24.

The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts southwestwards with height. According to the IMD, the system is likely to move nearly northwestwards across Jharkhand and north Odisha during the next 24 hours.

The IMD has warned of possible waterlogging, localised flooding, traffic disruptions, reduced visibility and damage to vulnerable structures due to the intense rainfall. Landslides are also possible in susceptible areas.

People have been advised to closely monitor weather updates, avoid waterlogged areas and take shelter in safe places during thunderstorms and lightning activity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda