Odisha on red alert as low‑pressure system brings heavy rain

A well‑marked low‑pressure area over the north‑west Bay of Bengal and the Odisha‑West Bengal coast is triggering heavy to extremely heavy showers across Odisha. The India Meteorological Department has issued red warnings for districts such as Sambalpur, Boudh, Sonpur and Kandhamala, orange warnings for many others and yellow warnings for additional areas.

Since July 1 the state has recorded about 94 mm of rain, 116 % above normal, with some blocks receiving over 200 mm. The State Emergency Operation Centre and district emergency centres are on round‑the‑clock alert, directing administrations to prepare for local flooding, water‑logging and damage to roads and crops. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea until July 7, and ports have been instructed to display cautionary signals. Major rivers remain below warning levels and the overall situation is described as normal, though authorities remain ready to respond to any emergency.