Depression likely to trigger heavy rainfall in North, South Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, forecast about more rainfall in northern and southern parts of the state might further worsen the flood situation in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal now lies as a well-marked low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and coastal areas of Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh. The system is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours, it said.
Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in South and North Odisha districts, it added. Cautionary Signal III has been hoisted at all the three ports.
Strong gusty surface wind from northeasterly direction with speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65kmph is likely to prevail along and off the coast of Odisha. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the rough sea.
Rain fury had led to the swelling of two major rivers in Rayagada district. The flash floods, followed by an alarming rise in the water levels in the Nagavalli and the Kalyani rivers inundated vast areas, causing extensive damage to bridges and snapping road and railway connectivity. Several areas in Kalahandi district were also severely affected by the floods caused by incessant rain.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has kept four Mi-17 helicopters ready for rescue and relief operations in these districts.