Heavy Rainfall Hits Odisha: Low-Pressure Area Forms Over Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall pounded Odisha as a fresh low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued downpours for the next four days.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast until September 3, as sea conditions are projected to be rough on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to IMD warnings.

In its statement, the IMD detailed, "A low-pressure area has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on September 2, influenced by the upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay and the neighboring Myanmar coast. It is expected to become more prominent in the next 24 hours." The system is anticipated to move west-northwestwards across Odisha over the subsequent 24 hours.

The heavy rains have severely impacted coastal Odisha, disrupting normal life since Monday night with significant waterlogging reported in urban centers such as Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Road connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has been hampered due to rainwater flooding a bridge at Kangurkonda, situated between Malkangiri and Motu. This has left hundreds of vehicles stranded, a Revenue Department official reported.

An 'Orange' alert has been issued by the IMD, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph in Malkangiri and Koraput districts.

A 'Yellow' warning has also been issued, indicating heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning, accompanied by similar wind speeds that are likely to affect places in the districts of Koraput, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir, Sundargarh, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda.

Additionally, the IMD anticipates light to moderate rain across 22 other districts.