IMD Predicts Heavy Rain Across Odisha For 5 Days; SRC Asks Districts & Urban Bodies To Remain Prepared

Bhubaneswar: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an ‘orange warning’ for heavy and intense spell of rainfall in many parts of Odisha including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the state government on Saturday asked the district authorities to remain prepared to deal with the situation.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has asked the district Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to take necessary measures in view of IMD’s forecast of heavy rainfall over the next five days.

Normal life was affected in different parts of the state including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on Saturday following incessant rains that continued to lash since this morning. Vehicular movement was disrupted at several places due to water logging in low lying areas due to intermittent rains.

As per the MeT Centre, Jharsuguda recorded the highest 118.4 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 11:30 am today. Similarly, Chandbali recorded 68.2 mm of rainfall, Bhubaneswar (35.2mm), Balasore (13.5mm) and Hiradkud recorded 10.2 mm of rainfall during this period.

As per IMD, a cyclonic circulation lies over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbourhood between 5.8 km & 7.6 km above mean sea level. Further, cyclonic circulation will likely form over the northwest Bay of Bengal around Sunday. Due to its impact, IMD has predicted heavy precipitation from July 15 to 19 across Odisha, the SRC’s advisory stated.

On the effect of heavy rainfall, flash floods/flood-like situation/ water logging may arise in low-lying areas. Keeping this in mind, you are requested to take immediate action on the following points, it added.

• Keep the field-level functionaries in strategic locations of flash flooding/ water logging alert &ready to meet any eventuality and should not leave headquarter;
• In urban areas, low-lying areas may have water logging and roads/drains may be submerged under water. In case of very heavy rain, people of low-lying areas may be shifted to safer locations temporarily;
• ULBs must keep the drains/stormwater channels de-congested, and adequate de-watering pumps may be deployed as per requirements;
• Traffic /plying of vehicles on submerged roads are to be regulated;
• De-watering steps may be taken in advance by pre-positioning water pumps with generators in low-lying areas suspectable to water logging;
• Ensure supervision of weak/ vulnerable points in river/ canal embankments. Flood-fighting materials may be pre-positioned at such places;
• Drainage clearance must be ensured for free flow of rain/flood water.