Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a red warning for Odisha, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the State as a well‑marked low‑pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal moves northwestwards and may concentrate into a depression within 12 hours.
Weather system and forecast
The IMD said the low‑pressure area, currently located over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh‑West Bengal coast, has moved northwestwards and is likely to continue on that track across Gangetic West Bengal towards Jharkhand. The agency warned that the system may intensify into a depression during the next 12 hours.
"The well‑marked low‑pressure area over North Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh‑West Bengal coast moved northwestwards. It is likely to continue to move northwestwards across Gangetic West Bengal towards Jharkhand and may concentrate into a depression during the next 12 hours."
The IMD issued an advisory asking fishermen not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha‑West Bengal‑Bangladesh coast until 14 August.
Rainfall so far and local impact
Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, reported heavy 24‑hour rainfall totals in several parts of the State. The highest recorded figures include 236 mm at Bhograi in Balasore district, 230 mm at Shyamakhuntam, 215 mm at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district and 204 mm at Rajghat in Balasore district. Balasore town recorded 137 mm by 5.30 a.m. on Thursday.
Very heavy rainfall was reported from the Similipal hills in Mayurbhanj. The downpour has raised water levels in rivers including the Budhabalanga and Jalaka in Balasore district, and several low‑lying localities have reported waterlogging.
| Location | 24‑hour rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Bhograi (Balasore) | 236 |
| Shyamakhuntam | 230 |
| Baripada (Mayurbhanj) | 215 |
| Rajghat (Balasore) | 204 |
| Balasore town | 137 |
Local situation and administrative response
Officials in coastal and northern districts are monitoring river gauges and advising residents of low‑lying and flood‑prone pockets to be alert. Several areas of Balasore have experienced waterlogging that is disrupting movement and local services.
Given the IMD warning and rising river levels, authorities are likely to prioritise evacuation preparedness, opening of relief centres and suspension of non‑essential activities in vulnerable areas. The IMD advisory for fishermen remains in effect until 14 August; coastal communities reliant on small fishing craft are advised to take precautions.
Precautions for residents
- Avoid travel in waterlogged areas; do not attempt to cross flooded roads on foot or in vehicles.
- Move to higher ground if your locality is prone to flooding; keep essential documents and medicines in waterproof bags.
- Follow local administration advisories about evacuation, relief centres and utility shutdowns.
- Do not venture into swollen rivers or streams; keep children and elderly away from floodwaters.
- Fishermen and small boat operators must not go to sea until IMD restrictions are lifted.
Residents are reminded that sudden intensification of the system into a depression can further increase wind and rainfall intensity. Those in cyclone‑prone zones should keep battery‑operated lamps, first‑aid kits and emergency contact numbers handy. Stay tuned to official IMD updates and district administration announcements for real‑time information.
The IMD has also flagged the possibility of heavy rainfall affecting neighbouring States including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Agencies involved in disaster management and relief are on alert across the region as the system moves inland.
Further updates will depend on the evolution of the weather system and on ground reports from district administrations and the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.
