Bhubaneswar: Odisha is bracing for intense rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings for at least seven districts effective until 11:30 PM on Wednesday.
Specifically, orange warnings have been put forth for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri districts, indicating intense spells of rain are imminent. Meanwhile, the IMD has also communicated yellow warnings for light to moderate rain affecting Ganjam, Khurda (which includes the capital, Bhubaneswar), Cuttack, Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Nayagarh, expected over the next three hours.
The IMD’s alerts come as part of its commitment to public safety amid looming severe weather conditions. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during this rainy period.
According to the IMD report, "An orange warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri districts," highlighting the serious risk of intense rainfall. Similar advisories have been echoed across various local news outlets to raise awareness among the public.
Residents of the affected regions have been repeatedly advised to monitor local weather updates closely. The IMD emphasized the importance of safety by stating, "People have been advised to keep a watch on the weather and accordingly move to safer places," encouraging everyone to stay informed.
The potential for accumulation of water and localized flooding poses significant risk during these intense rainfall events. Schools, businesses, and local services are prepped for possibly altered schedules or cancellations to prioritize community safety.
With the rain arriving during what has already been ORemonition levels throughout the state, widespread impacts could include transportation disruptions, power outages, and impacts on agriculture. Farming communities, especially, are encouraged to prepare for possible damages from excessive rainfall.
Overall, the IMD's proactive stance through these alerts serves as a wake-up call to maintain public vigilance. All residents of the impacted areas are advised to establish emergency plans, particularly those who might be vulnerable during severe weather conditions.
Weather forecasts will continue to evolve, and the IMD's regular updates are expected. For now, the focus remains on safety and preparedness as the region anticipates heavy rains across multiple districts.