Odisha Govt cancels leaves of Works Dept officials in view of possible flood-like situation

Bhubaneswar: In view of the possible flood-like situation due to the incessant heavy rain caused by low pressure over Bay of Bengal, Odisha Government today cancelled  leaves of all Works Department officials with immediate effect.

Speaking to mediapersons, Works Department Engineer In-Chief Dheeren Samal said though there is no flood-like situation in the state yet, water level of few rivers are on the rise. Water level of Hirakud dam is rising due to incessant rain in the upper catchment of Mahanadi river. The water level in the dam was at 78 per cent of its full capacity while the same was at 83 per cent in Rengali dam. In rest of the dams, the water level was below 50 per cent.

There are 20 highly sensitive places that vulnerable to breaches during floods. Officials concerned have been directed for field visit. Besides, night patrolling will also be carried out to take stock of situation, the official added

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Worth mentioning, the depression over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha coast intensified into a deep depression and crossed the coast near Chandbali, early this morning. The system is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards across north Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh during the next 48 hours,  said India Meteorological Department (IMD).