Bhubaneswar: As a well-marked low-pressure area in Bay of Bengal continues to trigger heavy rains across Odisha, the state government remains on high alert as it closely monitors the evolving weather situation.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), is monitoring the situation round-the-clock in coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments including District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low pressure, over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts, will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall over parts of Odisha.
IMD notified Red warning for Sambalpur, Angola, Boudh, Sonpur and Kandhamala districts, where isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected.
Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Kataka, Dhenkanal, Nayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Baragada, Kalahandi and Rayagada were put under Orange warning, with forecast for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall is the forecast for Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Debagada, Sundaragada and Jharsuguda, under Yellow warning.
The state government directed all districts under Red, Orange and Yellow warnings to keep the administrative machinery fully prepared to respond to any eventuality. District administrations have been advised to take precautionary measures against localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of urban underpasses, and possible damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures, horticultural crops and standing crops.
People have been urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates and take shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning.
Despite widespread rainfall, all major rivers in the state are currently flowing below the warning level.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast from July 4 to July 7.
