Odisha: All Dist Collectors Put on High Alert as IMD Predicts Low-Pressure Area in Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has placed all 30 district collectors on high alert following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office issued a directive on Tuesday, urging districts to prepare for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, whirlwinds, hailstorms, and lightning, and to submit immediate damage reports if any occur.

The IMD reported an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Northwest and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal at 5:30 AM on Tuesday, predicting the formation of a low-pressure system that is likely to intensify. The weather office has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and surface winds of 30-40 kmph in 15 Odisha districts during Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The IMD has imposed a fishing ban along and off the Odisha coast from May 29 to June 1, urging fishermen to avoid venturing into deep waters due to the impending weather system.