Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Odisha, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places and widespread rain activity across the state over the next 24 hours.

 Representational Image

According to the weather department, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over south Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the coastal regions of Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, a system expected to intensify rainfall across Odisha.

The IMD has cautioned that several districts may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, while a few places could receive extremely heavy downpours, raising concerns over waterlogging, flash floods and disruption to normal life.

The state has already experienced significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Narla in Kalahandi district recorded the highest rainfall at 131 mm, followed by Madanpur Rampur (117 mm), Belgaon in Balangir (115 mm), Athagarh in Cuttack (112 mm), Mahanga in Cuttack (104 mm) and Salebhata in Balangir (103.4 mm).

Meteorologists say the weather system is expected to move further inland, prolonging the spell of intense rain over interior Odisha during the next two days.

Weather experts have also warned that districts which recently recovered from flood situations could once again face the risk of heavy rainfall and rising water levels if the low-pressure system intensifies as forecast.

In view of the red alert, residents, particularly those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, have been advised to remain cautious and follow weather advisories issued by the authorities.