Widespread monsoon showers returned to Odisha with a vengeance on Tuesday, triggering orange and yellow warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Several districts in western and southern Odisha, including Bargarh, Bolangir, and Nuapada, are expected to witness intense rain accompanied by thunderstorm activity and lightning strikes.
The IMD placed these three districts under an orange alert, urging residents to stay indoors during periods of severe weather. Local authorities have been advised to activate emergency teams and prepare for flash floods or lightning-related incidents.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning has been issued for a swathe of central and coastal Odisha. Districts such as Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh are expected to experience heavy rainfall, while coastal belts including Balasore, Cuttack, Puri, and Ganjam will likely see moderate showers and lightning.
According to the IMD, the intensified rainfall is being driven by a low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining northern Odisha. Combined with the active southwest monsoon, the system is likely to sustain moderate to heavy rain for the next 48 hours across several interior pockets of the state.
Though the weather office predicts that rain intensity may ease starting Wednesday, a yellow warning remains in place for southern districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, and Kalahandi on July 9.
Authorities have advised vigilance as the state navigates the mid-monsoon spell, with infrastructure, transportation, and low-lying regions most at risk.
