Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Odisha after a weather system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and began moving north-westwards towards Jharkhand. The IMD said the system is likely to concentrate into a depression within the next 12 hours, and will continue to influence parts of eastern and central India, bringing a widespread wet spell.
Heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall recorded
Several stations in Odisha logged exceptionally high 24-hour rainfall totals up to 5.30 am on Thursday, the Meteorological Centre reported. Balasore district and parts of Mayurbhanj recorded some of the highest amounts, leading to localised flooding and a sharp rise in river levels.
| Station / Area | 24-hour rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Bhograi (Balasore) | 236 mm |
| Shyamakhuntam | 230 mm |
| Baripada (Mayurbhanj) | 215 mm |
| Rajghat (Balasore) | 204 mm |
| Balasore town (by 5.30 am) | 137 mm |
Officials reported heavy downpours in the Similipal Hills of Mayurbhanj. The heavy rainfall has caused rising water levels in the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers, and widespread waterlogging was observed in large parts of Balasore town, according to local reports.
Local actions and advisories
In view of the adverse conditions, district authorities ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Mayurbhanj for Thursday. Teaching and administrative staff were asked to report to duty and ensure parents and students are informed about the closure through WhatsApp, phone and SMS, officials said.
The IMD issued a clear advisory for fishing communities: do not venture into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha–West Bengal–Bangladesh coast until 14 August. Coastal wind speeds are expected to reach 30–40 kmph, and residents were cautioned to remain alert to the risk of thunderstorms and lightning.
“The system is likely to concentrate into a depression within the next 12 hours,” the IMD said in its bulletin.
Where the system will have an impact
The IMD warned that the current weather system will continue to affect Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, triggering a widespread wet spell. Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations across the region while many areas can expect heavy to very heavy showers.
- Stay indoors during periods of heavy rain and avoid moving through waterlogged areas.
- Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers, streams or drains; follow directions from local disaster-management authorities.
- Fishermen and small-vessel operators should remain ashore until the advisory is lifted.
- Road and rail travellers should expect delays and possible diversions; check with operators before travel.
Authorities in affected districts are being urged to keep rescue and relief teams on standby and monitor river gauges and reservoir releases. Given the possibility of squally winds, lightning and gusty conditions along the coast, local administrations have been advised to issue community-level warnings and ensure vulnerable populations are moved to safer locations if needed.
This system’s development into a depression will be closely monitored by the IMD; updates and warnings will be issued as the situation evolves. Residents in the warning areas should keep radios and mobile phones charged and follow official announcements from the IMD and district administrations for real-time instructions.
Weather note: A red warning from the IMD signifies that very severe or extreme weather is expected and that life and property are at significant risk. People in the affected districts should treat the alert seriously and take immediate precautionary measures.
