Bhubaneswar, June 24, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for several districts in Odisha, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next few days. This development has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures as the monsoon intensifies across the region.
According to the IMD, the Orange alert—signifying a warning to be prepared for severe weather—has been issued for districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Kandhamal, where isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected. The Yellow alert, which advises residents to stay updated and be aware of potentially hazardous weather, covers districts such as Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj.
“The monsoon has advanced well into Odisha, and under its influence, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is triggering widespread rainfall across the state,” said HR Biswas, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar. “Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 40-50 kmph are likely in some areas.”
The IMD has also cautioned about the risk of localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and potential damage to kutcha houses, roads, and agricultural crops. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions expected along the Odisha coast.
In response to the warnings, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has put district administrations on high alert. Control rooms have been activated, and emergency teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and fire services have been kept on standby in vulnerable areas.
“We are coordinating closely with local officials and are ready to respond to any situation. People in flood-prone areas have been advised to move to safer locations if necessary,” said an OSDMA official. “All district collectors have been asked to review preparedness measures and ensure that relief and rescue teams are ready.”
Educational institutions in some districts may remain closed if the rainfall intensifies, though no official announcement has been made as of now. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorm activity.
The IMD forecast suggests that the rain spell will continue till the end of the week, after which a gradual decrease in intensity is expected. However, due to the changing nature of weather systems during the monsoon, the situation is being monitored closely.
The public is advised to stay updated through official IMD bulletins and follow advisories from local authorities. Mobile alerts and announcements through television and radio are being used to keep residents informed and prepared.
With the monsoon expected to pick up further momentum, Odisha is now entering a critical period requiring vigilance, coordination, and community awareness to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather conditions.
