Bhubaneswar: With the depression over the Bay of Bengal moving towards Odisha coast on Sunday, several parts of Odisha are likely to be lashed by heavy to very heavy rain over the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is currently centred around 40 km south-southeast of Baleshwar and is likely to move west-north-westwards over the next 24 hours. It is expected to cross the north Odisha coast near Baleshwar, between Chandbali and Digha.
Scientists at the MeT Centre said that Odisha has recorded above-normal rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season. From June 1 till date, the state has received 265.5 mm of rainfall, which is 4% above the seasonal average.
The IMD has issued a red warning for the next 24 hours for eight districts – Sambalpur, Bargad, Balangir, Nuapada, Anugola, Boudhgad, Sonpur and Kandhamala. Extremely heavy rain is likely to pound these districts during the period.
Similarly, orange alert has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Debagada, Kendujhar, Dhenkanal, Kataka, Nayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Koraput districts. A yellow warning has been issued for nine other districts.
As the sea is expected to remain rough till July 7, Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at all ports across Odisha. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
According to data received by the IMD up to 10 am on Sunday, nine places in the state received extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm), 46 places recorded very heavy rainfall (12 to 20 cm) 57 places with heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm).
Khajuripada in Kandhamala recorded the highest rainfall of 276 mm, while Tureikala in Balangir Tureikela 264 mm of rainfall during the period. Phulbani received rainfall of 224.4 mm by 8.30 am, followed by Titilagarh with 205.4 mm and Nuapada with 196.0 mm. Kendrapada recorded 176.0 mm, Koraput 127.2 mm.
State capital Bhubaneswar recorded a rainfall of 119.4 mm, while neighbouring Kataka city received 124.8 mm. Other districts that received significant rain include Boudhagad with 116.0 mm, Khordha 81.0 mm, Nayagada 79.0 mm and Jagatsinghpur 76.3 mm.
Several low-lying areas in the state reported waterlogging and disruption in normal life due to the incessant rain.