The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts on July 16, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy rain. The alert comes as Puri prepares for the Rath Yatra celebrations.
According to the IMD, a low-pressure system is expected to keep Odisha under widespread rainfall until July 20. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Ganjam on July 16. These districts may receive a very heavy rainfall.
A Yellow Warning is in place for Balasore, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Gajapati, where heavy rain is expected.
The rain is likely to continue on July 17 and 18, with Orange Warnings issued for several northern and central districts. Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually from July 19, although isolated heavy rainfall may still occur in parts of northern Odisha.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during the warning period. To safeguard their safety, locals and pilgrims traveling to Puri for the Rath Yatra have also been advised to heed local authorities’ directions and official weather information.