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Bhubaneswar: The Water Resources Department has braced to tackle possible flood like situation in the wake of the IMD’s prediction of heavy rain after June 11 even as the southwest monsoon today entered the State with rain in south Odisha.
The Chief Engineer of Water Resources department Jyotirmaya Rath said districts like Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur have been on top priority as these areas are likely to experience heavy rains.
“In view of any possible eventuality, all officers of the department have been instructed to remain alert and not leave headquarters under any circumstances. New officers have also been given the responsibility at some places. Control rooms have been opened which would work round the clock,” Rath said.
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Officers have been directed to carry out patrolling and inspection of all river embankments. As the water level is below normal in all reservoirs, there is no immediate threat of big flood, he added. But, possible flash flood induced by heavy rains cannot be ruled out, Rath said.
As many as 20 river embankments are reported to be weak. These have been on the top focus of the department.
All the coastal districts in the State have been alerted, the top engineer said.
The Southwest monsoon today entered Odisha bringing rain to several parts of south Odisha. The monsoon which usually reaches Odisha during June 10, has made usual onset this year too.
The IMD has predicted incessant rainfall in the State between June 10 and 13 in the wake of a low pressure over Bay of Bengal.
"Monsoon touched some parts of the State today. Under its effect, parts of south Odisha and Bolangir experienced heavy rainfall. The progress of the monsoon has been favourable and Odisha is likely to get normal rainfall this year. The State will witness more than normal rainfall in June,” said senior scientist of IMD Rajendra Jenamani.
Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) had earlier directed all Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to take precautionary measures ahead of heavy rains predicted by IMD between June 10 and 14.
He said that flash flood like situation may arise in rivers, nullah and water bodies
due to continuous rain. Landslides may occur in hilly areas. Low lying areas in both urban and rural areas are likely to be water logged, the SRC said.
