Low pressure over Bay of Bengal: Odisha govt issues alert to District Collectors

Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (UNI) The Odisha Government today alerted collectors of over 20 districts to keep the administrative machinery ready in view of a fresh low-pressure system forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, across Odisha from August 25 to 28, due to a fresh low-pressure area likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha–West Bengal coasts within the next 48 hours.

Both orange and yellow warnings have been issued for several districts till August 28. The forecast indicates heavy rain, thunderstorms with lightning, and gusty surface winds reaching 30–40 kmph across at least 20 districts.

In response, the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has advised all concerned districts to remain vigilant and keep emergency measures in place.

People have been urged to monitor weather updates and take shelter during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes.

District Collectors have also been instructed to submit immediate reports on any damages caused by thunderstorms, whirlwinds, hailstorms, or heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the north Odisha coast and over the north Bay of Bengal today. The advisory will remain in force for the Odisha coast and the north Bay of Bengal from August 25 to 28.