Monsoon Arrives in Odisha Bringing Relief and Caution:-
After several days of dry weather and rising temperatures, the monsoon has finally arrived in Odisha. People across the state had been waiting for rainfall as the heat had made life difficult and delayed farming activities. Now, with the arrival of the monsoon, the weather is changing. Farmers are hopeful again, and the state is preparing for the days ahead.
The Start of the Rainy Season
The India Meteorological Department has reported that a cyclonic circulation has formed over the Bay of Bengal. This has pushed clouds and moisture into Odisha. As a result, many places in the state have started receiving light to moderate rainfall. In some areas, heavy rainfall has also been recorded. This marks the beginning of the active monsoon season in Odisha.
Where It Has Rained So Far
Rainfall has been recorded in districts like Koraput, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Angul, and Mayurbhanj. On a single day, Lamtaput in Koraput district received more than sixty millimetres of rain. Chhatrapur in Ganjam received over thirty five millimetres. Other towns and rural areas have also reported rainfall which has helped in reducing the heat.
In Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state, there was light rain. Though it was not very heavy, it brought some relief from the hot weather. In other cities like Cuttack and Puri, the skies have been cloudy, and light showers have helped lower the temperature.
Rainfall Warnings and Alerts
The weather department has issued warnings for several districts in Odisha. Some districts like Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kalahandi have been placed under heavy rainfall alerts. These areas may receive a lot of rain in a short time. People living in low lying areas are advised to be careful as sudden rain can lead to waterlogging or even floods.
Other districts have also been given alerts for thunderstorms and lightning. Strong winds are expected in many parts of the state. People are advised to stay indoors during storms and avoid taking shelter under trees.
Impact on Farmers and Agriculture
One of the most important effects of the monsoon is on farming. Farmers in Odisha depend on the monsoon for sowing crops. Due to the delay in rainfall, sowing was affected in many areas. Seeds could not be sown, and the land remained dry. Now, with the arrival of rain, farmers are preparing to begin planting.
In the southern districts of Odisha such as Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada, some farmers have already started sowing paddy and other kharif crops. The agriculture department has been helping farmers with guidance and seeds. However, sudden heavy rainfall can also damage crops if the fields are not properly prepared. So farmers are being advised to follow safe methods and monitor the weather closely.
Danger in Coastal Areas
Fishermen living near the coast have been warned not to go into the sea. The sea conditions are expected to become rough from seventeenth to nineteenth June. Wind speeds may go up to sixty kilometres per hour. The government has advised all fishing boats to return to shore and stay safe.
In areas like Paradip, Puri, and Gopalpur, people have been asked to stay alert. The Special Relief Commissioner has asked district officials to prepare for any emergency. People are also advised not to visit beaches during this period as large waves and strong currents can be dangerous.
Drop in Temperature
Along with rainfall, the arrival of the monsoon has also caused a drop in temperature. Earlier in June, many districts were experiencing high temperatures of more than forty degrees Celsius. Now, with cloudy skies and showers, the maximum temperatures have come down by two to four degrees in most areas.
This has brought great relief to people, especially in towns and cities where heat had become unbearable. It has also helped reduce the load on electricity supply, as fans and air conditioners are being used less.
Government Preparations
The Odisha government is making preparations to handle any problems that may arise due to the heavy rain. Emergency teams have been placed on alert. Drainage systems in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are being checked and cleaned to avoid waterlogging.
Shelters and relief centres are being prepared in flood prone areas. School buildings and panchayat offices are being made ready in case people need to be evacuated. Medical teams are also being kept ready to provide help in case of water borne diseases.
Advice to the Public
People in Odisha are being asked to stay alert and follow safety instructions during this monsoon season. During thunderstorms, people should avoid using electrical appliances and should stay away from metal objects. Roads may become slippery and waterlogged, so driving should be done carefully.
In rural areas, people should keep a close eye on rivers and streams which may rise suddenly due to rain. In the event of a flood or landslide, people should contact local authorities immediately and move to safer places.
Fishermen and people living near the coast should not go near the sea when warnings are in place. The government is sending regular updates through radio, television, and mobile alerts. It is important to listen to these updates and not believe rumours.
Forecast for the Coming Days
According to the weather department, Odisha will continue to receive rainfall over the next few days. Some areas will get heavy rain, while others will see light showers. The monsoon is expected to cover the entire state within a few more days.
This is a good sign for farming and water storage. Reservoirs, ponds, and rivers will get filled. But at the same time, people need to stay prepared for sudden weather changes and take precautions to remain safe.
