The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for two districts in Odisha, effective until 3 PM on Wednesday. Residents of Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts should prepare for moderate thunderstorm activity and lightning, accompanied by squally winds potentially reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph. Moderate to intense rainfall is also anticipated within the next 2-3 hours. The IMD cautions of possible minor damage to vulnerable infrastructure such as thatched huts, power and communication lines, along with potential harm to standing crops, banana and papaya trees, and the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas. People are advised to seek shelter in concrete structures and avoid trees. This warning comes after recent flooding in Balasore district, where approximately 25,000 individuals across 67 villages in 19 gram panchayats experienced the impact of overflowing Subarnarekha river, exacerbated by the release of water from the Galudihi barrage in neighboring Jharkhand. The floods led to the destruction of vast tracts of paddy, jute, and vegetable crops. Tragically, a 25-year-old man lost his life after being swept away while crossing a submerged bridge in Baliapal block; his body was recovered on June 22nd.
