Rain in Odisha: Depression over Bay of Bengal triggers red alert in Odisha, IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslide risk across state

Heavy rain in Odisha is set to continue over the next 48 hours as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red alerts for several districts. Authorities have placed all districts on high alert amid warnings of extremely heavy rainfall, possible flash floods, landslides in hilly regions and rough sea conditions along the coast.

The weather system, currently located over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining the Odisha-West Bengal coast, is expected to bring widespread rainfall across the state, with some districts likely to receive very heavy to extremely heavy showers.

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Depression forms over Bay of Bengal, likely to cross Odisha coast

According to the IMD, the low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression and was centred around 50 km south-southeast of Balasore and south-southwest of Digha.

The weather agency said the system is very likely to cross the north Odisha coast between Chandbali and Digha within the next day, increasing rainfall activity across large parts of the state.

The development has prompted authorities to closely monitor the situation as rivers, low-lying areas and urban centres could witness waterlogging and flooding.

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Red alert issued for five Odisha districts

The IMD has issued a red warning, the highest level in its colour-coded alert system, for districts expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall.

The districts under red alert are:

• Sambalpur
• Angul
• Boudh
• Subarnapur (Sonepur)
• Kandhamal

In addition, orange alerts have been issued for 19 districts, while six districts remain under yellow warning.

The weather department said heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in several parts of Odisha over the next two days.

Heavy rain already batters several districts

Many parts of Odisha have already recorded intense rainfall over the past 24 hours.

Among the highest rainfall figures recorded up to 8:30 am on Sunday were:

• Khajurpada (Kandhamal): 276 mm
• Tureikela (Bolangir): 264 mm
• Bhubaneswar: 119.4 mm
• Cuttack: 124.8 mm

The widespread showers have led to waterlogging in several areas, while authorities remain alert for any weather-related emergencies.

IMD warns of flash floods and landslides

The IMD has cautioned that the ongoing spell of heavy rain in Odisha could trigger multiple weather-related hazards.

The department warned that:

• Urban flash floods may occur in low-lying areas.
• Landslides are possible in hilly districts.
• Waterlogging could affect transportation and daily activities.
• Thunderstorms and lightning may accompany heavy rainfall in some regions.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rain.

Fishermen advised not to venture into sea

The weather system is also affecting sea conditions along the Odisha coast.

The IMD said the sea is likely to remain rough to very rough from July 5 to July 7 under the influence of the depression.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea during this period due to dangerous marine conditions over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal waters.

The department has also issued Local Cautionary Signal (LCS)-III for Odisha ports, advising port authorities and maritime operators to take necessary precautions.

IMD had predicted rainfall activity earlier

Earlier, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty had indicated that a low-pressure area was likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal around July 3.

Speaking to reporters, she said:

"As of today, an upper-air cyclonic circulation is present over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Bangladesh, extending between 1.5 to 5.8 kilometres above mean sea level and tilting southwestward with respect to height. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining area around 3 July and due to which we are expecting rainfall activity for the state as a whole."

She had also forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha between July 1 and July 6.

Rain in Odisha likely to continue over next 48 hours

With the depression moving closer to the Odisha coast, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain intense over several districts during the next two days.

People living in flood-prone and low-lying areas have been advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow instructions issued by local authorities as Odisha braces for another spell of heavy monsoon rain.