Red Alert in Odisha: IMD Warns of Extreme Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for five districts of Odisha — Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangapur — as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected today.

The alert comes after a low‑pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, the fourth such system in August.

An orange warning has been issued for 18 districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, Puri, and Khordha, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in place for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Gajapati, and Ganjam.

The IMD has also cautioned about squally winds reaching 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, along the Odisha coast, with rough to very rough sea conditions expected. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Authorities urge residents to remain alert, follow official advisories, and take necessary precautions to minimise risks from flooding and waterlogging.