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IMD warns of ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ in Odisha (Img: X)
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha as a fresh low-pressure area is expected to develop over the North Bay of Bengal. The weather system is likely to strengthen monsoon activity across eastern, northeastern and northern parts of the country over the next few days, increasing the risk of flooding, waterlogging and travel disruptions.
The warning comes even as flood conditions continue in Assam, where more than 37,000 people remain affected across six districts.
According to the IMD, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Bangladesh is expected to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. The system is likely to enhance rainfall activity across Odisha, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Northeast India and the Western Himalayan region during the coming week.
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Odisha is expected to witness isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall, particularly on July 15, with authorities advising residents to remain alert.
Several parts of Odisha, including Puri, have already recorded persistent rainfall. The IMD has warned that intense showers could lead to localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic disruptions in urban centres.
Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to monitor weather updates and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Apart from Odisha, heavy rainfall is forecast in several other regions.
The weather department has predicted continued heavy rain over Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh during the next seven days. Meghalaya and parts of West Bengal remain under an extremely heavy rainfall warning.
In the northern hills, Uttarakhand is expected to receive increased rainfall from July 15 onwards, while Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh could witness heavy showers later this week. Bihar, which received very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, is also likely to experience continued wet weather.
Flood conditions continue to impact Assam, where the latest Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) report shows that 37,032 people have been affected across six districts.
The districts impacted include Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Jorhat and Sivasagar. Floodwaters have affected 99 villages spread across 12 revenue circles.
Although no major river is currently flowing above the danger mark, inundation has damaged agricultural land, with more than 1,100 hectares of crops remaining underwater.
Also Read: Weather Update: IMD issues rain alert for 18 states; Delhi, UP, Bihar, brace for fresh monsoon spell
Lakhimpur accounts for the majority of those affected, with nearly 35,700 residents impacted. Sonitpur and Dhemaji have also reported flood-related losses.
Authorities have opened 20 relief distribution centres to provide essential supplies, benefiting nearly 7,000 people. While no relief camps are currently operational, emergency assistance continues in affected areas.
The floods have also affected more than 16,000 animals, with two reported washed away. One house has been completely destroyed, while dozens of others have suffered partial damage.
One flood-related death has been reported from Sonitpur district. Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), evacuated 16 people to safer locations using boats as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
