Rainfall: Odisha govt asks collectors to remain prepared

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday directed the district collectors to remain prepared for any possible flooding and water-logging in view of the heavy rainfall.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradip Jena has issued an advisory to all Collectors in view of the low pressure area formed over North Bay of Bengal.

The SRC has asked Collectors to closely watch and monitor the situation as water logging may arise in low lying areas.

“District administration to remain in readiness to meet any eventuality and advice for fishermen to be strictly followed,” said the SRC.

The fishermen have been warned not to venture into sea along and off Odisha coast and North Bay of Bengal on August 4-5.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha.

 “A low pressure area has formed today morning over North Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood and now lies over North Bay of Bengal off West Bengal-Bangladesh coast. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level tilting south-westward with height. It is likely to become more marked during next 24 hours,” said the SRC.

The IMD said that under the influence of low pressure area over north Bay of Bengal off West Bengal-Bangladesh coast and strong monsoon current, surface wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph very likely over north Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

Also, squally weather with strong surface wind speed likely to occur occasionally reaching 40-50 kmph along and off Odisha coast on 4&5 August, it said.