Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for two districts of Odisha till 3 pm on Wednesday.
Moderate thunderstorm/lightning accompanied by squall wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph moderate to intense spell of rain may affect some parts of Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts within 2-3 hours.
The weather agency has warned of minor damage to thatched huts, power and communication lines, standing crops, banana and papaya trees and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
People have been advised to avoid trees and instead take shelter in concrete structures.
The heavy rain warning has come days after around 25,000 people across 67 villages in 19 gram panchayats of Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, and Jaleswar blocks in Balasore were affected due to the floods caused by the overflowing Subarnarekha after release of water from eight gates of Galudihi barrage in neighbouring Jharkhand. After being submerged for five straight days, vast tracts of paddy, jute, and vegetable crops have been completely destroyed in the district.
A 25-year-old man was also swept away by the strong currents while crossing a submerged bridge over Subarnarekha river in Baliapal block. The bosy was recovered on June 22 morning.