Bhubaneswar: As heavy rainfall is in the forecast due to active monsoon across Odisha, the state government alerted authorities in all districts to deal with the possible challenges caused heavy downpour.

As per IMD report, a cyclonic circulation lies over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbourhood between 5.8 km and 7.6 km above mean sea level. Further, a cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal around July 16.

Due to its impact, the IMD predicted heavy rainfall from July 15 to 19 over the districts of Odisha that may trigger flash floods or waterlogging in low lying areas.

Based on the IMD report, the State Special Relief Commissioner asked all the collectors and municipal commissioners to stay alert and not to leave headquarter to meet any eventuality.

The authorities were requested to take immediate action on the following points:

1. Keep the field-level functionaries in strategic locations of flash flooding/waterlogging alert.

2. In urban areas, low-lying areas people may be shifted to safe locations in case of heavy rain.

3. ULBs must keep the drains/stormwater channels de-congested and adequate de-watering pumps may be deployed as per requirement.

4. Traffic/plying of vehicles on submerged roads are to be regulated.

5. De-watering steps may be taken in advance by pre-positioning water pumps with generators in low lying areas suspectable to waterlogging.

6. Ensure supervision of weak/vulnerable points in river/canal embankments.

7. Drainage clearance must be ensured for free flow of rain/floodwater.