The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarm bells with an extremely heavy rainfall alert for Odisha on August 2, cautioning residents and authorities to be vigilant as heavy downpours are expected to lash several parts of the state in the next two days. The IMD has also issued advisories to fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during this period of adverse weather conditions of extreme rainfall.
IMD scientist HR Biswas stated that numerous districts in Odisha are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall in the coming 48 hours, which could lead to flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas. As a precautionary measure, the District Magistrate and Collector of Balagir have issued a notice to close all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadis, in the district for the day.
The weather department has classified warnings for various districts in Odisha, with a red warning indicating the highest level of alert issued for Angul, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts. Additionally, an orange warning has been put in place for Jajpur, Bhadrak, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Sundergarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, and Balasore districts.
Apart from Odisha, the IMD has also issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in West Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, East Uttar Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, North Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The weather office has further predicted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall activity in east and east-central India during the next two to three days.
In Delhi, a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle is expected today, with the minimum and maximum temperatures likely to be around 28 and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Mumbai, on the other hand, is bracing for heavy rainfall, with a yellow alert issued for August 2 and 3. Areas including Palghar, Thane, and Sindhudurg have been put on high alert, and an orange alert has been issued for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra.
These weather warnings have sparked concerns among the public and authorities, highlighting the need for preparedness and safety measures in the affected regions. Local authorities must take proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall, including ensuring proper drainage systems, providing emergency shelter for vulnerable communities, and coordinating rescue operations if needed. Additionally, residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, and stay updated on weather advisories to safeguard themselves and their families.
