Heavy Rain Cripples Normal Life In Twin Cities

Photograph: Suprakash Mishra

Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: Normal life has come to a standstill in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar following incessant and heavy rainfall since the last 36 hours.

In Cuttack, rainwater was seen flowing at a height of about two feet on Badambadi Road, the busiest thoroughfare in the city. Besides, rainwater has entered the houses in the low-lying areas. The city, till 6 am on Thursday, had received 103 mm rainfall.

Considering the situation, the district collector has announced closure of all schools and colleges in the city on Thursday.

Meanwhile, authorities of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) have used 150 high-powered pumps at various locations to drain out rainwater.

On the other hand, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has engaged 13 teams to take stock of the situation in 67 wards and asked 40 engineers to stay alert to deal with any eventuality.

The BMC authorities have also opened a 24-hour control room and a Special Operation Centre. City denizens have been requested them to contact the Control Room at 0674-2432281 and the Special Operation Centre through the toll-free number 1800345006.

Rain has been lashing the Odisha capital since the last 36 hours.