Bhubaneswar, 04 July (H.S.) : A low-pressure system over the region has triggered widespread rainfall across Odisha, with incessant showers disrupting normal life in several parts of the state. Rainfall has been reported from Bhubaneswar to Bargarh and from Malkangiri to Mayurbhanj, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to place the state under a red alert.

According to the IMD, five districts—Kandhamal, Boudh, Angul, Sambalpur and Sonepur—have been placed under a red alert for Saturday, with forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Residents in these districts have been advised to remain vigilant as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist.

The weather department has also issued an orange warning for eight districts—Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar—where very heavy rainfall is likely.

The remaining 17 districts of the state have been placed under a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall. In view of rough sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until further notice.

The weather agency has indicated that the intensity of rainfall is likely to ease marginally from Sunday. However, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over parts of north and western Odisha.

For Sunday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for three districts and a yellow alert for 10 districts, indicating that rainfall activity will continue, though its intensity and geographical distribution are expected to change.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda