Odisha Red & Orange Alerts: IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall, Flood Risk Till August 20
Bhubaneswar, August 18 [OT Webdesk] — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for several districts in Odisha as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a depression. The weather disturbance is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across southern and coastal regions of the state.
Districts under red alert—Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur—could receive up to 20 cm of rainfall, accompanied by lightning and winds reaching 40 kmph. Orange warnings have been sounded for Gajapati, Rayagada, and Kalahandi, where swollen rivers and flash floods are anticipated due to persistent downpours.
The IMD’s regional center in Bhubaneswar has cautioned that the intense showers may lead to urban flooding, waterlogging, and road disruptions, especially in hilly and interior blocks. A yellow warning has also been issued for several coastal and central districts, forecasting heavy showers and thunderstorms at isolated locations.
The depression, forming between north Andhra Pradesh and the south Odisha coast, is expected to sustain widespread rainfall until the morning of August 20. District administrations have been placed on high alert, and residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain cautious.
