Odisha alerts collectors amid forecast of heavy rainfall

Bhubaneswar:  The Odisha government today directed collectors of 26 districts to remain alert to a possible flood situation amid a forecast of heavy rainfall across the State in the next two days under the impact of a low pressure.

State Special Relief Commissioner, Bishnupada Sethi, in separate letters, asked the collectors of 26 districts to remain alert as several districts may witness heavy rainfall due to a low pressure area likely to be formed over North Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood.

The SRC has alerted all collectors except the collectors of Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts.

As per forecast of IMD, a low pressure area is likely to be formed during the next 48 hours. As a result, rain/ thundershower is likely to occur at many places over districts of the State during next 24 hours and moderate rain/ thundershower is very likely to occur at most places during subsequent 48 hours.

The SRC has warned that heavy rainfall may cause flood-like situations in the Baitarani, Budhabalanga and other rivers. Water logging situation may also arise in different parts of the State.

Besides, he has also instructed all collectors to closely monitor the situation, alert all concerned and keep the administrative machinery in full preparedness to meet any eventuality and ensure functioning of control room round the clock.

All fishermen in the State have been advised to return from the sea by tomorrow evening and not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coasts on September 06 and 07.