Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Warns of Severe Weather in Odisha Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed two districts of Odisha under a red alert, effective until 3 PM Wednesday, due to anticipated severe weather conditions. The forecast includes moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and the potential for squally winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph. Moderate to intense rainfall is expected to impact parts of Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts within the next few hours. The IMD has cautioned about potential damage, including harm to thatched structures, disruption to power and communication, damage to crops and fruit trees, and the possibility of waterlogging in low-lying areas. People are advised to take shelter in solid structures and avoid trees. This warning comes in the wake of recent flooding in Balasore district, where the Subarnarekha river overflowed, impacting around 25,000 individuals in 67 villages. The flooding was compounded by the release of water from the Galudihi barrage in Jharkhand, leading to significant damage to agricultural lands. A 25-year-old man tragically lost his life in the floods, his body recovered after he was swept away while crossing a submerged bridge.