Odisha is set to witness an intense spell of monsoon rainfall over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Red Alert for four districts and Orange Warnings for several others.
The weather department has cautioned that extremely heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and travel disruptions in many parts of the state.
According to the latest IMD forecast, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected across most districts. However, the heaviest rainfall is likely to affect southern, western and interior Odisha during the first two days before gradually shifting towards the northern districts later in the forecast period.
The IMD has placed Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri under a Red Alert for the first 24 hours. These districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated places likely to experience extremely heavy downpours. The weather office has warned that the intense rainfall may lead to localized flooding, overflowing streams, landslides in hilly areas and disruption of road connectivity. Residents have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
An Orange Warning has also been issued for Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Ganjam, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations. Several coastal and northern districts remain under a Yellow Warning as widespread monsoon activity continues across Odisha.
The weather system is expected to intensify on the second day, with the Red Alert shifting towards central Odisha. Sambalpur, Angul, Subarnapur, Boudh and Kandhamal are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall, while Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Nayagarh have been placed under an Orange Warning. Heavy rain in these districts could affect transportation, daily activities and essential services.
From July 5 onwards, the focus of heavy rainfall is expected to move towards northern Odisha. Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall for three consecutive days until July 8. Neighbouring districts are also expected to receive significant rainfall as the monsoon system remains active across the state.
The IMD has warned that the prolonged spell of rain may cause flooding of roads and low-lying areas, waterlogging in urban centres, overflowing rivers and streams, landslides in vulnerable hilly regions, poor visibility, traffic congestion and damage to kutcha roads and weak structures. Standing crops and horticultural plantations may also be affected due to prolonged inundation, while rising river levels could increase the possibility of riverine flooding in vulnerable catchment areas.
Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and have urged people to remain cautious. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, stay away from waterlogged and landslide-prone areas, monitor official weather updates and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Emergency response teams have also been placed on alert to respond swiftly to any weather-related incidents as Odisha prepares for an active phase of the southwest monsoon.
