Heavy rain likely across Odisha as Rath Yatra begins tomorrow
Bhubaneswar, July 15
As Odisha prepares to immerse itself in devotion with the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra from Thursday, widespread rainfall is likely to lash most parts of the state over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.
Addressing the media, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty on Wednesday predicted heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next several days due to a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions. Mohanty added that the system is expected to intensify and move northwards.
She stated that it is likely to strengthen further over the next 24 hours, and under its influence, most parts of the state are likely to witness widespread rainfall over the next three to four days. Mohanty also said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in several districts on July 15, while extremely heavy rainfall cannot be ruled out in a few locations.
According to the IMD, widespread rainfall is expected to continue on July 16 and 17, with isolated places likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers. From July 18, the intensity of rainfall is expected to gradually decrease, although scattered to fairly widespread rain is likely to continue in many districts through July 19.
Notably, the weather agency has also issued a Red Warning, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places over Jagatsinghpur and Puri districts till the morning of 8.30 am on July 16.
Mohanty said there will be heavy, even heavy-to-very heavy, rainfall, and extremely heavy rainfall is also not ruled out in Puri. She added that tomorrow, heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue in the coastal city.
She also warned that sea conditions along the Odisha coast are expected to remain rough to very rough from July 15 to July 17, with squally winds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period due to adverse weather and rough sea conditions. Residents have also been urged to remain alert, particularly in districts likely to experience heavy rainfall, and to follow advisories issued by local authorities.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Every year same story - Rath Yatra mein barish. But honestly, the crowd management needs serious improvement. With this red warning, authorities should have backup plans for evacuation. Hope no untoward incident happens.
Fishermen ko warning diya gaya hai - yeh acchi baat hai. Par kya local authorities ne Puri mein temporary shelters ka bandobast kiya hai? Heavy rain mein rath khinchne mein dikkat hogi. Let's keep our traditions alive but with modern safety measures.
मौसम विभाग ने रेड वॉर्निंग जारी की है तो इसका मतलब समझना चाहिए। पिछले साल के हादसों से सीख लेनी चाहिए। उम्मीद है भगवान जगन्नाथ की कृपा से सब ठीक रहेगा। 🌧️🙏
I've always wanted to witness Rath Yatra in Puri. The devotion of millions is incredible. But this weather forecast is concerning - for the safety of everyone involved, I hope the state government takes proactive measures. Prayers for a safe festival. 🇮🇳
Heavy rain hai toh kya hua, bhakti mein koi rukawat nahi! Par yaar, Puri mein halat kharab ho sakti hai. Logon ko ghar se nikalt e time mausam ka khayal rakhna chahiye. Aur local administration ko jugaad nah
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