Bhubaneswar: A red alert (rainfall of 20 cm and above) has been issued for seven districts—Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, and Gajapati – on October 28-29.
An orange warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm has been issued for the districts of Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam and Nabarangpur on these two days.
Seventeen districts are under yellow warning where rainfall of 7 cm to 11 cm is likely to occur. Squally weather with wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph may prevail along and off the south Odisha coast from Saturday evening. It is likely to increase becoming 45 to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph from October 26 evening and becoming gale wind speed reaching 60 to 70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from October 27 evening to early hours of October 28 and decrease gradually thereafter. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the south-west, adjoining central Bay of Bengal, and along and off the Odisha coast till October 29.
According to the IMD, the approaching cyclonic storm could severely damage thatched homes and huts, with strong winds potentially blowing away rooftops and loose metal sheets. Power and communication lines may be disrupted due to damage, causing connectivity issues.Additionally, the agency warns of damage to kutcha roads, partial harm to pucca roads, and flooding of escape routes in multiple areas. Large trees may be uprooted, and branches or dead limbs could break, endangering people and property. Banana and papaya plantations are likely to face extensive destruction, while paddy, horticultural, and standing crops may suffer significant losses due to flooding and strong winds.
Intense rainfall could cause flooding and waterlogging in low-lying regions, particularly in coastal and southern districts. The IMD has warned of periodic low visibility, traffic disruptions, and underpass closures due to heavy rain and gusty winds. Landslides and mudslides are possible in hilly areas, potentially causing riverine flooding in certain catchments. Damage to embankments and salt pans are also expected in vulnerable coastal areas.