A fresh low-pressure area has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-North Odisha coasts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This new weather system is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, posing a significant threat of heavy rainfall and worsening flood conditions in Odisha and parts of West Bengal.
The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall, forecasting more than 20 cm of precipitation in isolated areas of Odisha within a 24-hour period. Specifically, Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, along with Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts in West Bengal, are predicted to experience extremely heavy downpours on August 17.
Flood Situation Remains Critical in Odisha
This latest weather event follows closely on the heels of another low-pressure system that formed on August 12, which intensified into a depression and triggered widespread heavy rains, exacerbating flooding in northern Odisha. The state is currently grappling with a severe flood situation affecting six districts, where approximately 100,000 people have been evacuated to relief centers due to inundated villages.
The districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar are particularly hard-hit, with the situation remaining grim. Floodwaters have impacted around 2.70 lakh people across 503 villages in 52 blocks. Rising water levels in major rivers such as the Baitarani, Brahmani, Salandi, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga, along with their tributaries, are the primary cause of the widespread inundation.
IMD Advises Fishermen to Stay Ashore
In light of the anticipated squally weather, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh, Odisha, and North Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds are expected to reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, from August 16 to 18.
Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast over Gangetic West Bengal, north Odisha, and Jharkhand over the next four days, with the peak intensity of extremely heavy rainfall expected on August 17.