3 days ago
Fresh Bay of Bengal System Brings Rain Threat to Odisha
A new weather system has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
It may bring heavy rain to Odisha until September 4.
Some northern, coastal and interior parts of the state could receive especially strong rainfall.
Strong winds are also expected near the coast until August 31.
Fishermen have been told not to go into the sea during this time.
Odisha is already dealing with a second round of floods this monsoon.
Flooding has affected more than 13.5 lakh people since August 13.
The water in most major rivers is now below dangerous levels, but some villages and towns remain waterlogged.
The government is watching the worst-affected areas and providing food at relief centres.
The India Meteorological Department said a fresh low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday.
The system could bring heavy rainfall to northern, interior and coastal Odisha through September 4.
Squally weather, with winds of 40–50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph, is expected along the Odisha coast through August 31.
More than 67,000 people in Kendrapada, Bhadrak and Jajpur remain affected by flooding.
Authorities are monitoring inundated areas and operating 67 free kitchens at flood relief centres.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department, Odisha authorities, residents in flood-affected areas and coastal fishermen.
- What
- A fresh low-pressure area is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, while parts of Odisha continue to face flooding.
- Where
- Over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and north Odisha coasts, affecting northern, interior and coastal Odisha.
- When
- The system formed at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday; rainfall is forecast through September 4, with squally weather expected through August 31.
- Why
- An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coasts led to the formation of the low-pressure area.
Key facts
- Rainfall forecast
- Heavy rainfall is possible across Odisha through September 4.
- Weather system
- A low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coasts.
- Coastal winds
- Winds of 40–50 kmph may occasionally gust to 60 kmph through August 31.
- Flood impact
- The second flood spell has affected 13,50,306 people in 1,895 villages since August 13.
- Remaining inundation
- Kendrapada, Bhadrak and Jajpur still have 67,961 people affected across 181 villages and 11 urban pockets.
- Relief kitchens
- The government is operating 67 free kitchens at flood relief centres.
Quotes
Senior Odisha government officer
A state government officer monitoring flood conditions
“Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts, a low-pressure area has formed over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-north Odisha coasts at 5.30 am.”
thehansindia.com
“As squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph occasionally gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail along and off the Odisha coast till August 31, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during the period.”
thehansindia.com











