Heavy Rain Batters Odisha; Phulbani Records Highest Rainfall as Low Pressure Intensifies

Bhubaneswar: Widespread rainfall lashed several parts of Odisha over the past 24 hours under the influence of a well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, leading to waterlogging in many low-lying areas and disrupting normal life.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Phulbani recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 224.4 mm. Titilagarh followed with 205.4 mm, while Nuapada received 196.0 mm of rainfall. Kendrapara registered 176.0 mm, Koraput 127.2 mm, Cuttack 124.8 mm and Bhubaneswar 119.4 mm during the same period.

Heavy showers were also reported from several other districts, including Boudh (116.0 mm), Khordha (81.0 mm), Nayagarh (79.0 mm) and Jagatsinghpur (76.3 mm).

Continuous rainfall caused waterlogging in several areas, affecting traffic movement and day-to-day activities in parts of the state.

The IMD has forecast that rainfall activity will continue over Odisha as the well-marked low-pressure area is expected to intensify into a depression within the next six hours. The weather system is likely to move west-northwestwards across North Odisha and adjoining North Chhattisgarh, resulting in heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts over the coming days.

In view of the forecast, district administrations have been advised to remain on high alert, while the State Emergency Operation Centre is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and coordinating preparedness measures.