Heavy showers disrupt normal life in Odisha, more rain in next 24 hrs

Bhubaneswar: While heavy rainfall crippled normal life across Odisha, the situation may become worse as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the low pressure area over Bay of Bengal is likely to turn into a depression during the next 24 hours.

“The low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal & neighbourhood now lies as a well marked low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and Odisha with associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 7.6 km above mean sea level tilting southwestwards with height. The system is likely to concentrate into a depression and move west northwestwards during next 24 hours,” a bulletin of the IMD said.

The Regional Meteorological Centre here said the system will trigger heavy rainfall at isolated places in north Odisha and coastal parts of the state. It also warned fishermen against venturing into the sea as strong surface wind will prevail along and off Odisha coast.

On the other hand, the Meteorological Centre issued thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warning for Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Cuttack districts.

Also read: Incessant rain floods Odisha capital, ednl institutions closed in Cuttack.

Meanwhile, several rivers across the state swelled and crossed danger level at various places. The water level of Jalaka river was 6.05 at Mathani this morning against the danger level of 5.5. Similarly, water level of Subarnarekha river was recorded at 49.26 at Jamsolaghat against danger level of 49.15. Baitarani, Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers have also started to swell up.

However, Deputy Relief Commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra ruled out possibility of flood in the state. The official though asked district Collectors, especially of Balasore and Mayurbhanj, to be on alert.

Highest rainfall of 305 mm was recorded in Puri district while Bhubaneswar received 41.4 mm rain. Fire personnel have been engaged to rescue people residing in inundated areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar, he said.