Heavy Rains to Drench Odisha Till August 20, Landslide Warning Issued for 2 Districts

Bhubaneswar: In response to the predicted heavy rainfall in various parts of Odisha until August 20, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu has called for heightened vigilance. District collectors, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and relevant authorities have been instructed to stay prepared.

SRC Sahu has directed key departments and officials, including Agriculture, Municipal Administration, Water Resources, and law enforcement agencies, to actively monitor the situation. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts regarding the weather conditions.

A low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to move west-northwestwards across northern Odisha and north Chhattisgarh over the next few days. The Monsoon Trough’s western end runs near the Himalayan foothills, while the eastern end extends through several areas, including Balasore and the Northwest Bay of Bengal.

IMD’s weather bulletin warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) in districts such as Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Bargarh until the morning of August 19. Additionally, districts like Malkangiri and Puri are likely to experience heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm), as indicated by the IMD’s Yellow warning.

Urban areas are advised to prepare for potential water logging and road submergence due to heavy rainfall. In low-lying regions, temporary relocations might be necessary, especially if the rain intensifies. The risk of landslides in vulnerable hilly areas is also noted.

Local authorities must ensure that drains and stormwater channels remain unobstructed, and deploy de-watering pumps as needed. Regulation of traffic on submerged roads is vital, along with disseminating weather advisories and safety precautions to residents.

Immediate reporting of heavy rainfall and any resulting damage is stressed, aiding prompt response coordination. Authorities are expected to submit timely damage reports to the government, detailing the impacts of thunderstorms, whirlwinds, hailstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall.