Collectors put on alert amid heavy to very heavy rain forecast for Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The state government today asked the Collectors of several districts to remain alert as the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at many places in Odisha during the next 24 hours.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu reviewed the situation with senior officials of several districts and asked them to take the following steps:

• Districts under Red/ Orange/ Yellow warning to keep administrative machinery ready to face any eventuality.
• In case of overtopping of roads/ bridges due to heavy rain, restrict plying of vehicles by deploying police personnel and local officer, if situation arises.
• In case of damage of houses, polythene sheets shall be provided and further arrangements shall be put in place.
• In case of falling of trees, the local fire services shall be utilized for road clearance.
• In case of power disruption the local DISCOM authority shall be instructed to ensure immediate restoration of power supply.
• In case of very heavy rain, people of low-lying areas may be shifted to safer locations temporarily, if required.
• ULBs must keep the drains/ storm water channels de-congested, and adequate de-watering pumps may be deployed as per requirement.
• People may be advised to keep watch on the weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect themselves from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas.
• The situation of the district shall be informed to the Special Relief Commissioner office from time to time.

As per the IMD forecast, the low pressure area over central parts of North Bay of Bengal now lies over Northwest and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal and the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level tilting southwestwards with height. It is likely to become more marked during next 24 hours and move across south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh during next 3 days.

Under the influence of the low pressure area, several places in Odisha recorded rainfall till today evening, said the IMD.

Nabarangpur in South Odisha recorded 72 mm rainfall till 5.30 pm today. Gopalpur and Chhatrapur in Ganjam district recorded 55 mm and 54.2 mm rainfall while Bolangir received 45 mm till today evening, added the IMD.