Bay System Intensifies, Red Alert for 4 Odisha Districts

Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a well-marked low-pressure area, raising the likelihood of widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

The weather agency stated that the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 9.4 km above mean sea level, indicating that the system has gained considerable vertical strength. It is expected to intensify further and could develop into a depression within the next 48 hours.

In view of the evolving weather conditions, the IMD has sounded a red warning for Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts, where isolated places are likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the day.

An orange warning has also been issued for Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Ganjam districts, with forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two locations.

Additionally, 17 other districts, including Balasore, Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj, have been placed under a yellow warning, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places.

The IMD has advised residents, particularly those in the affected districts, to remain alert and follow official weather updates as the system continues to strengthen.