Heavy Rain Batters Odisha; IMD Issues Orange Alert in Five Districts

Several parts of Odisha were lashed by heavy rain on Tuesday as a well-marked low-pressure area formed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, just off the Odisha coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall across the state, with inclement weather expected to continue till May 30.

The IMD has issued an ‘Orange’ alert — urging residents to be prepared and take precautionary measures — in five districts: Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Cuttack, Koraput, and Rayagada. These areas are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph over the next two days.

“The low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay of Bengal became well-marked around 5:30 AM today and is likely to intensify into a depression in the next 24 hours as it moves slowly northward,” the IMD bulletin stated.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, and secure loose objects that might be affected by strong winds. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.

Local authorities have been put on high alert, with disaster response teams on standby to tackle any emergencies arising from the adverse weather.

The rainfall is expected to bring some respite from the scorching summer heat but may also cause waterlogging and disruption in low-lying areas.

The state government is closely monitoring the situation and has urged the public to follow weather updates and advisories issued by the IMD.