THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 4, 2026

The Odisha Government has intensified its preparedness and placed the entire administrative machinery on high alert as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–West Bengal coasts continues to trigger widespread rainfall across the State. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy downpours in several districts, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), functioning under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), is monitoring the evolving weather situation round the clock in close coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).

According to the IMD, isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Sambalpur, Angul, Boudh, Subarnapur (Sonepur) and Kandhamal districts, which have been placed under Red Warning. Orange Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected. Meanwhile, Yellow Warning has been sounded for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendujhar, Deogarh, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts, where heavy rainfall is forecast.

The State has already witnessed significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Data recorded up to 8.30 a.m. on July 4 shows that Odisha received an average rainfall of 24.8 mm, with Sohela Block in Bargarh district registering the highest rainfall at 202 mm. Six blocks recorded rainfall exceeding 100 mm, while 38 blocks and four stations across three Urban Local Bodies received rainfall ranging between 50 mm and 100 mm.

The cumulative rainfall across Odisha from July 1 to July 4 reached 94.2 mm, which is 115.8 per cent above the normal average of 43.7 mm, indicating an exceptionally active monsoon spell over the State.

Despite the widespread rainfall, the Government has informed that all major rivers are currently flowing below the warning level, providing some relief even as authorities remain vigilant.

In view of the IMD warnings, the State Government has directed all districts under Red, Orange and Yellow alerts to keep their administrative machinery fully prepared to tackle any eventuality. District administrations have been instructed to take preventive measures against localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of urban underpasses and possible damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures, horticultural crops and standing crops.

The Government has also appealed to people to remain alert, closely follow official weather advisories and take shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning strikes.

Considering the prevailing weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast from July 4 to July 7.

The State Emergency Operation Centre continues to maintain constant surveillance over the developing weather system in close coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments. Officials said that while the overall situation in Odisha remains normal at present, the Government is fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any weather-related emergency, ensuring the safety of people and minimizing potential damage across the State.