BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority has activated enhanced emergency preparedness measures and issued Orange and Yellow weather alerts across multiple districts of Odisha amid forecasts of intense Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The alerts will remain in effect from May 30 to June 5, 2026, as a strengthened trough line is expected to trigger widespread afternoon and evening storm activity across the state.
22 Districts Under Orange Alert
OSDMA has placed 22 districts under Orange Alert, indicating the need for heightened preparedness and precautionary measures. The affected districts include Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi and Jharsuguda.
Officials have warned that wind speeds may reach 50–80 kmph in some areas, posing risks of flying debris, damage to weak structures, uprooting of trees and plantation crops, and localized impacts on standing agricultural fields.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts.
Yellow Alert for Seven Districts
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Subarnapur (Sonepur), Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh. These districts are likely to experience isolated thunderstorms accompanied by wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and periods of high humidity.
Public Advisory
OSDMA has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid taking shelter under trees, unplug electrical appliances during lightning events and secure loose outdoor objects. Livestock owners have also been urged to move animals to covered and safe locations.
Disaster management officials are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and have asked district administrations to remain prepared for any emergency response requirements arising from severe storm activity.
