Odisha Under 'Red Warning' as Heavy Rains Lash State
Odisha is experiencing heavy rainfall due to a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has issued a 'red warning' for the entire state, indicating very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Key takeaways
- Odisha is experiencing heavy rainfall for the past 24 hours.
- The IMD has issued a 'red warning' for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the entire state.
- A well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is causing the severe weather.
- The system is forecast to move northwest and could intensify into a depression.
- Educational institutions in Mayurbhanj district were closed on Thursday due to the downpour.
Odisha has been subjected to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a 'red warning' for the entire state. The warning signifies the expectation of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
The cause of the severe weather is a well-marked low-pressure area situated over the North Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Bangladesh-West Bengal coast. According to the IMD's morning bulletin on Thursday, this system was moving northwestwards and was expected to continue its trajectory across Gangetic West Bengal towards Jharkhand. There is a possibility that the system could intensify into a depression within the next 12 hours. A depression is a weather phenomenon of greater intensity than a low-pressure area but less severe than a tropical cyclone.
In addition to Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are also anticipated to experience the effects of this wet spell. Coastal areas of Odisha are likely to see wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. Residents have been urged to stay alert for thunderstorms and lightning and to adhere to official advisories.
What Happened
Heavy rains have impacted Odisha for the last 24 hours. The IMD has issued a 'red warning' for the state, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The weather system responsible is a well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to move northwestwards and potentially intensify into a depression.
Key Facts
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red warning' for Odisha on Thursday.
- The warning indicates very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the state.
- A well-marked low-pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh-West Bengal coast is the cause of the rainfall.
- The system is expected to move northwestwards towards Jharkhand and may concentrate into a depression within 12 hours.
- Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha-West Bengal-Bangladesh coast until August 14.
- Bhograi in Balasore district recorded the highest rainfall at 236 mm.
- Other areas recording significant rainfall include Shyamakhuntam (230 mm), Baripada (215 mm), and Rajghat (204 mm).
- Balasore town received 137 mm of rain by 5:30 am on Thursday.
- Very heavy rains in Mayurbhanj caused water levels to rise in rivers such as Budhabalanga and Jalaka in Balasore district.
- Waterlogging has been reported in a large part of Balasore town.
- All educational institutions in Mayurbhanj district were ordered to close on Thursday due to the heavy rainfall.
- Schools were instructed to remain operational for staff to communicate closure information to students and parents.
- Wind speeds along the Odisha coast could reach 30 to 40 kmph.
Background
A depression is classified as a weather system stronger than a low-pressure area but less intense than a tropical cyclone. The IMD's 'red warning' signifies the highest level of alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
Andhra Pradesh Braces for Rain as Bay of Bengal System Intensifies
Cyclone Approaches Hawaii, Forecasters Warn of Severe Weekend Weather
Odisha DGP Appointment Sparks Controversy Amid Legal Challenges
