IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 13 Odisha Districts

Bhubaneswar : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for 13 districts of Odisha, forecasting light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next three hours.

The advisory, released at 1:15 pm today, will remain effective for three hours. Residents in the affected districts have been urged to stay alert and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during this period.

The districts likely to experience adverse weather conditions include Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nuapada, Boudh, Puri, and Mayurbhanj.

Officials have appealed to people in these districts to take precautions against lightning strikes. Citizens have been advised to seek shelter in safe locations, avoid open fields, and remain indoors until the weather improves.

IMD’s safety guidelines

The IMD has also issued the following safety tips during thunderstorms:

* Avoid standing under isolated trees, near electric poles, or in open fields.
* Stay away from water bodies, as lightning can strike water surfaces.
* Do not use wired electrical appliances or take shelter in makeshift huts during lightning.
* Drivers and pedestrians are advised to stop at a safe place until the weather clears.
* Farmers working in fields have been urged to return home immediately once thunderstorms approach.