Odisha Braces for Torrential Rains with IMD Red Alert

Odisha is currently in the throes of heavy rain as a deep depression heads towards its coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to sound red alerts in seven districts. These districts, including Puri and Ganjam, are forecasted to receive over 20 cm of rainfall by Friday morning.

In addition, 16 districts have been placed under an orange alert, projecting rainfall between 7 cm and 20 cm, whereas another seven are under a yellow alert status. The southern and coastal regions of the state have been particularly affected, as the rain began to pour heavily since Wednesday.

The IMD described the depression as a precursor to a potential cyclonic storm, likely impacting the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coast tonight. With wind speeds expected to reach up to 75 kmph, authorities have mobilized resources in vulnerable districts to prepare for potential flooding and landslides, with Gajapti already reporting the latter.