Odisha is set to receive widespread heavy rainfall as the southwest monsoon remains active over the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for multiple districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
An orange alert has been sounded for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak, where very heavy rainfall and lightning are expected on Thursday. Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the severe weather.
In addition, a yellow warning has been issued for Balasore, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, and Deogarh, signaling the possibility of heavy rainfall. Local authorities are monitoring low-lying areas prone to waterlogging and are preparing for any emergencies.
Thunderstorm alerts have also been issued for Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. The IMD urges people in these regions to take necessary precautions against lightning and avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms.
As rainfall intensity increases, state officials have begun monitoring vulnerable zones to preempt flood-like situations. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and disaster management teams remain on standby.
With Odisha’s Kharif season rainfall surpassing forecasts, concerns about possible crop damage are also being reported in some regions.
