Bhubaneswar, The India Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a ‘red warning’ for extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha as a fresh low-pressure area has formed in the Bay of Bengal.
Under its influence, squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail over northwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal and along and off West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, Odisha and North coastal Andhra Pradesh from August 16 to August 18. Earlier reporting noted: With light to moderate rain was witnessed at many places on Friday, the MeT department predicted that on August 15, rainfall activity is likely to continue, although its intensity may decrease. Earlier reporting noted: Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior scientist, IMD Shimla said, “Monsoon activity is expected to strengthen again from August 16, when heavy rainfall is possible in Chamba, Kangra and Mandi. Earlier reporting noted: He said that on August 17 and 18, rainfall will continue across the state. Orange alerts have been issued for August 18 for Kangra and Sirmaur, while isolated areas may receive very heavy rainfall.
A yellow alert has been issued for Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi. A heavy-rain warning has been issued for these areas. However he advised people to remain cautious near rivers, streams and other water bodies as water levels can rise suddenly during intense rainfall.
“The IMD on Sunday issued the red warning as some parts of Odisha are likely to receive over 20 cm of rain within 24 hours,” an official said, adding that the administration needs to take action to reduce the impact of the calamity. Sharma said that although no fresh flash-flood warning was currently in place, the possibility could increase if rainfall intensifies.
