The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarm bells by issuing a ‘red alert’ for three states—Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh—as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in these regions. According to the weather forecast, Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, with some places even experiencing extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 204.4mm, on August 3. The IMD has also warned of extremely heavy rainfall in East Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.
Similarly, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are on high alert as the IMD has sounded a ‘red alert’ warning for these states, stating that they are likely to face isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall with the possibility of extremely heavy falls on both Wednesday and Thursday. With such weather conditions expected, the weather department has urged people to prepare for intense rainfall and to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Already, Odisha has experienced heavy rainfall, with an average of 83.8 mm of rain recorded over the past 24 hours, and the highest rainfall of 390.6 mm in Boudh block. Numerous other blocks in the state have received rainfall of over 300 mm, leading to authorities temporarily closing educational institutions in more than 12 districts due to inundation of low-lying areas.
Given the magnitude of the rainfall warnings, the IMD has cautioned about the potential for localized flooding in various areas across these states. Residents are advised to stay away from vulnerable structures and areas prone to waterlogging to avoid potential risks.
The ‘red alert’ from the IMD indicates a high-risk weather situation, and it is crucial for residents in the affected states to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Authorities and local communities should be vigilant and be prepared to respond promptly to any emergency situations that may arise. By heeding the IMD’s warnings and adopting safety measures, individuals can mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and protect themselves and their communities from the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions.