Odisha puts collectors on alert as IMD predicts heavy rainfall

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8 (IANS) The Odisha government on Friday asked the District Collectors and departments concerned to keep close watch over the situation as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy downpour in several parts of the state.

In a letter, Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi asked the Collectors and departments to keep a close watch as the depression over southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, which has triggered rain in the state.

He asked them to instruct field functionaries to remain present at their respective headquarters, respond to the emergency situation and promptly report to the state emergency operation centre if there is any adverse situation.

The state government has asked the farmers to keep their harvested paddy crops in safer places in view of rain.

As per latest information received from IMD, under the influence of present deep depression over central Bay of Bengal, rain or thundershower is likely to occur at most places in the coastal and many places in the interior districts of Odisha during next 48 hours.

Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places in the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Khorda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Malkangiri and Koraput during next 48 hours.

The met department has hoisted Local Cautionary Signal Number Three (LC-III) at all ports in Odisha. Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to prevail along and off Odisha coasts up to December 10.

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