Heavy Rain Alert: Odisha on Red Alert as Downpours Batter East India

The relentless rains have already wreaked havoc in southern Odisha, claiming one life and leaving two missing due to landslides in Gajapati district. Heavy downpours have washed away roads and bridges in Rayagada and Koraput, disrupting National Highway 326 and halting rail services on the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul line. Normal life in south Odisha remains paralyzed, with waterlogging submerging low-lying areas. The state government has mobilized emergency response teams, deploying machinery in high-risk zones and advising fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea until October 4. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further casualties.

The weather system's influence extends to neighboring states. In West Bengal, heavy to very heavy rains are forecast until October 6, affecting districts like Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur with 7-20 cm of precipitation. The IMD warns of squally weather over the Bay of Bengal, potentially disrupting coastal activities. Bihar faces similar threats, with red alerts issued for West Champaran, Gaya, and Kaimur, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall through October 4. Northern Bihar risks crop damage and riverine flooding from 7-11 cm rains until October 5. The depression, moving north-northwest at 13 kmph, is expected to bring isolated heavy spells across east India during October 2-4.

Experts link this post-monsoon surge to lingering low-pressure systems, urging residents to stay indoors and follow alerts. As rains ease by October 5, authorities emphasize preparedness to minimize impacts on agriculture and infrastructure in the affected regions.