Flood-hit Odisha braces for more rain; waterlogging keeps people on edge

Heavy rain continued across Odisha as an active monsoon system brought intense rainfall to several parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Sundargarh and Keonjhar for Tuesday, while six other districts have been placed under an orange warning. The warnings come as a well-marked low-pressure area persists over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-north Odisha coast. The system is likely to move west-northwestwards across north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal during the next 24 hours. Red Warning In Two Districts Sundargarh and Keonjhar are under a red warning today, extremely heavy rainfall expected at isolated places. The alert will remain in force for both districts on Wednesday as well. Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul and Mayurbhanj are under an orange warning today. The same warning will continue in these six districts tomorrow, with very heavy rain forecast at isolated places. Low Pressure To Influence Rainfall According to the IMD, the weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to continue affecting Odisha as it moves west-northwestwards. The system is expected to bring further heavy rainfall, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rain at isolated places today and very heavy rain tomorrow. Flood-Affected Districts Face More Problems The continuing rainfall has added to the difficulties in flood-affected parts of Jajpur, Kendrapara and Bhadrak. Waterlogging remains in and around several school premises, preventing some schools from resuming regular classes. Some schools have also suffered damage in the floods. With rain continuing and waterlogging still present, normal activities remain affected in several areas. Also Read: Rain continues to batter Odisha: IMD issued red alert for Keonjhar, Sundargarh; orange alert in 6 districts The latest weather system is therefore being closely watched as Odisha continues to deal with the impact of the ongoing monsoon and flooding.