Finance
The India Meteorological Department has expected heavy rain and thunderstorm activity in Odisha over the next five days, with a red alert issued for areas of western Odisha tomorrow.
According to the IMD bulletin issued for July 29, a red warning has been issued for Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada and Sambalpur. An orange warning has been issued for Baleswar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at one or two places.
The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds. Wind speeds may reach 50 to 60 kmph in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur, while 40 to 50 kmph winds are likely in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Kendujhar, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir.
A yellow warning has been issued for Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are very likely at one or two places in these districts.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bargarh on July 30 due to heavy to very heavy rains and thunderstorms, with winds blowing up to 40 to 50 kmph. A yellow alert has been issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Nabarangapur, where heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 30 to 40 kmph are expected.
From July 31 to August 2, the intensity of rainfall is forecast to decrease, although thunderstorm activity will continue. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh.
Thunderstorms with lightning and gusting winds of 30 to 40 kmph are quite likely in one or two areas of these districts. Sundargarh and Jharsuguda have also been added to the thunderstorm alert for July 31.
The IMD has advised people to use caution during thunderstorms, avoid open spaces and trees, and heed local authorities’ warnings.
Farmers have been instructed to take preventive steps for standing crops, while fishermen have been advised to avoid going out into the sea during the period of bad weather.
