In a severe weather alert, the India Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued an orange warning for Kalabaisakhi rainfall affecting nine districts in Odisha. This warning comes as a precursor to potential storms expected over the weekend, signaling residents to be on high alert.
The districts that have received the orange warning include Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak. The MeT department has advised these areas to prepare for thunderstorms, lightning, and hail storms, with heavy rainfall likely to make a substantial impact.
According to the MeT department, "The orange warning was issued for thunder, lightning, and hail storms with heavy rainfall." This alert serves as a suggestion for individuals to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the shifting weather conditions.
The Kalabaisakhi phenomenon has previously wreaked havoc in areas such as Mayurbhanj, where it caused considerable destruction. Reports indicate that the recent storms resulted in the death of cattle and significant damage, including roofs being blown off homes. Affected areas experienced power outages and road blockades due to the intense rain, severely disrupting normal life.
As for the warning’s validity period, it is set from 8:30 AM on March 22, 2025, to 8:30 AM on March 23, 2025. The department notably forewarned residents of potentially hazardous wind speeds that may reach 50-60 kilometers per hour specifically in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, and Dhenkanal. These areas could expect thunderstorm conditions with gusty surface wind speeds ranging between 30-40 kilometers per hour.
In many parts of Odisha, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are predicted to occur as rainfall sweeps through the region, prompting authorities to underline the necessity for residents in the affected districts to stay vigilant.
Given the recent impact of Kalabaisakhi in Mayurbhanj and the ongoing forecasted conditions, residents are encouraged to stay updated with local advisories. Special attention should be paid to preparedness against possible flooding and wind damage in anticipation of the imminent weather events.
The tenacity of Kalabaisakhi storms can yield unpredictable outcomes for local communities, making it crucial for all involved to heed the warnings and ensure that appropriate measures are in place prior to the onset of severe weather.
This warning, while daunting, provides an opportunity for individuals and local authorities to implement proactive safety measures as they brace for Kalabaisakhi’s turbulent conditions.
The Mekong disaster has not only showcased the challenges associated with sudden climate changes but also highlighted the urgent need for community resilience in the face of unpredictable weather phenomena. Residents are urged to approach these advisories seriously and to prepare accordingly for the potential onslaught of rain and winds, ensuring their safety and the protection of their properties.
As the time for this weather event approaches, communities across the declared districts will need to come together, reviewing safety protocols and being ready to act in response to whatever Kalabaisakhi may unleash over the coming days.
For those in the affected areas, having an emergency plan in place may make all the difference should the conditions take a turn for the worse this weekend.
