The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in Odisha over the next 48 hours. According to Senior Scientist Uma Shankar Das of IMD Bhubaneswar, widespread rainfall is expected, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in parts of North Odisha. Five districts, namely Dhenkanal, Angul, Kalahandi, Boudh, and Kandhamal, have been warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall. People have been advised to seek safe shelter during lightning and thunderstorms and to stay away from trees and water bodies.
The Odisha government reported that the death toll due to lightning strikes in the state has risen to 12, and they have announced an ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
Chhattisgarh is also anticipated to experience heavy rainfall, with an orange alert issued for September 5. The weather department has urged people to avoid venturing into flooded areas during the rainy season and to raise awareness among others to stay safe.
Similarly, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are under an orange alert for heavy rainfall in the next two days. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also on an orange alert for September 3 and 4.
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh in the coming hours, as per the IMD’s updates on X (formerly known as Twitter).
