The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand as a low-pressure system over the Gangetic West Bengal region moves northwestward.
This system, coupled with cyclonic circulations and a monsoon trough, is expected to bring intense rainfall to northern and interior districts of Odisha, as well as parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, over the next two days.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a well-marked low-pressure area over southwest Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions is accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level. This system is likely to move west-northwest towards Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, intensifying rainfall in these areas. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy showers, in parts of East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
In the past 24 hours, Odisha has already experienced significant rainfall, with three locations recording extremely heavy rainfall and 14 others witnessing heavy downpours. Shyamakhunta in Mayurbhanj district recorded the highest rainfall at 17 cm. Districts such as Balasore, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Khordha, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur have also reported heavy to very heavy rainfall.
An orange warning has been issued for Bargarh, Balangir, and Nuapada, while a yellow warning covers Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonpur, Boudh, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur for heavy rainfall. Coastal districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph.
The southwest monsoon has been active along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, with multiple cyclonic circulations forming since late June. Between June 1 and July 7, Odisha recorded 379.5 mm of rainfall, 37% above the normal 276.6 mm. However, some districts, including Gajapati, have reported deficient rainfall. The increased rainfall in upper regions like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand has led to rising water levels in major dams like Hirakud and Rengali, prompting authorities to remain vigilant.
The IMD has cautioned residents and local administrations to prepare for potential flooding and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. Odisha’s coastal and northern districts, along with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, are on high alert as the low-pressure system continues its trajectory.
