Govt issues alert for rain, thunderstorm

Bhubaneswar: The govt has sounded high alerts following the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of rain and thunderstorms in several districts till May 20. "The current meteorological situation includes a trough running from northwest Uttar Pradesh to north Bangladesh and a cyclonic circulation over the west central Bay of Bengal, which are influencing weather conditions over Odisha," said IMD's weather bulletin on Saturday.

Around 12 persons reportedly died in lightning strikes in different parts of the state on Friday. The IMD has warned of possible damage due to high-speed winds, including destruction of standing crops, banana plantations, and ripe paddy, structural damage to ‘kutcha' houses and unsecured buildings, and disruption due to flying debris and fallen trees.

The special relief commissioner (SRC) has asked authorities and residents to take precautionary measures. People have been advised to stay indoors and avoid taking shelter under trees during storms, keep electronic appliances unplugged and avoid touching conductive surfaces, take special care in rural areas and farmlands, stay away from water bodies, and follow local traffic and weather advisories strictly.

Amidst continuing rain and thunderstorm activities, most parts of Odisha are also experiencing hot and humid conditions. The IMD observed a significant temperature dip in some southern interior regions and recorded appreciable rain in several districts. The maximum temperature recorded in Odisha on Saturday was 39.8°C in Sambalpur.