Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Monday said heavy rainfall triggered by a low pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal to lash many places across the state in next 48 hours.
“Almost all parts of the state will receive continuous rainfall for the next two days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur in some places over a number of districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kandhamal, Boudh and Sambalpur,” said director of Bhubaneswar Met Centre HR Biswas.
He said that heavy rain may occur in some isolated places of many other districts Tuesday. As the condition in the sea will be rough, the IMD advised fishermen not to venture out into sea till August 15.
Following the weather forecast, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) asked all district Collectors to remain alert to meet possible flood situation.
SRC Bishnupada Sethi has directed the Collectors to ensure round-the-clock functioning of the district Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) and report the situation in the respective districts to the state emergency operation centre from time to time.
While the fire department has been put on alert, 300 boats have been kept in preparedness for relief work, deputy relief commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mahapatra said.
Highest rainfall of 21 mm was recorded at Cuttack between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday, while Gopalpur received 14 mm rain, Daringibadi (11 mm), at Koraput (10 mm), Chandbali, Sambalpur and Malkangiri (9 mm each), Bhubaneswar (7.6 mm), Phulbani (7 mm) and Angul (6 mm), the Met said.
The state has recorded an average rainfall of 10.8 mm in the last 24 hours. With this, the cumulative average rainfall of the state from June 1 till August 13 comes to a surplus of 4.9 per cent over the long term average rainfall. Five districts have received surplus rainfall of more than 19 per cent, whereas 21 other districts have received normal rainfall during the period, official sources said.
BMC cancels holiday
Bhubaneswar: Keeping the in view the forecast of the IMD, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cancelled the holidays of all of its officials from August 13 to 15. As per an order issued by the BMC Monday, it is mandatory for the officials of the civic body to attend office and take necessary steps to meet any kind of eventuality, such as water logging, rescue and relief operations. No official can take leave without the prior approval BMC commissioner, it said.
