Kolkata / Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area that formed over the northern Bay of Bengal early Sunday morning has intensified into a Well-Marked Low Pressure (WML) system by the evening. According to updated weather forecasts, the system is expected to intensify further into a deep depression tomorrow, triggering heavy rainfall across eastern India.

The weather system is currently centered off the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, bringing squally winds of 40 to 60 km/h along the eastern coastline. Over the sea, wind speeds are expected to range between 40 and 50 km/h, with isolated gusts reaching up to 60 km/h.

Red Warning Issued for Multiple Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed five key northern districts of Odisha Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar under a severe

Red Warning ⚠️: Most other districts remain under orange or yellow alerts, with heavy downpours expected to continue until August 18 before gradually receding.

Widespread Flood Impact & Mass Evacuations

The ongoing deluge has severely disrupted life across Odisha, affecting nearly 5.15 lakh people across 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, 947 villages, and five urban areas.

Evacuations: Authorities have safely relocated over 2.37 lakh people to higher ground.

Relief Operations: Hot meals, chuda (flattened rice), and jaggery are being served across 293 operational relief camps.

Deployment: Emergency rescue operations are underway with 36 ODRAF teams, 7 NDRF units, and 43 fire service units on active field duty.

Government Steps Up Preparedness

Reviewing the emergency response, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg instructed all departments and District Collectors to maintain strict vigilance.

The next three days are crucial for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. All departments and Collectors must remain fully alert and manage the situation with utmost caution," directed Chief Secretary Anu Garg.

Regional Impact: East Coast & Kerala Forecast

While the system continues to drive widespread torrential rains across Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, its impact on southern states remains minimal.

According to private forecaster Metbeat Weather, the intensifying depression will not create a strong "pull effect" over Kerala. Consequently, Kerala is unlikely to face heavy downpours, expecting largely pleasant weather with only light to moderate isolated showers over the coming days.