Cyclonic storm triggers heavy rain in Odisha; Malkangiri worst affected   

Bhubaneswar: Heavy to very heavy rain under the influence of cyclonic storm DAYE that crossed Odisha coast near Gopalpur late last night lashed several parts of the south Odisha State, mainly Malkangiri and Koraput today throwing normal life out of gear.

Due to the incessant rain, eight rivers of Malkangiri district have swollen whereas flood water has engulfed several villages, including MV 11, Parlakota and Korukonda. Besides, communication between Malkangiri and Balimela has been snapped as around 10 feet flood water has flooded several roads in the areas.

Sources said Malkangiri recorded the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours with Korukonda and Malkangiri blocks of the district receiving 403 mm and 265.4 rainfall, respectively.

In Koraput, the Kolab dam authorities have opened two gates of the reservoir early this morning following rise in its water level due to incessant rain in the upper catchment area. Currently, 1570 cubic metre of water per second is entering the reservoir whereas 550 cubic metre of water per second is being released through gate number 5 and 6.

Besides, heavy downpour has also occurred other places Udala in Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Bhabanipatna in Kalahandi, Astaranga in Puri and Rayagada today.

Meanwhile, the state government has alerted Collectors of coastal districts to be prepared to avoid any kind of eventuality.