Odisha rain: SRC takes stock of situation, asks Collectors to take precautionary measures 

With Odisha continuing to experience heavy downpours under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu on Wednesday reviewed the situation of affected districts and asked collectors to remain alert.

According to SRC’s office, the State has received an average rainfall of 83.8 mm during the last 24 hours. The highest rainfall of 390.6 mm has been recorded in Boudh block in Boudh district, while four blocks have recorded rainfall of more than 300 mm.

Similarly, 17 blocks have recorded rainfall of more than 200 mm and 68 blocks have recorded rainfall between 100 mm and 200 mm, a notification issued by the SRC read.

While reviewing the situation of Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Subarnapur and Sambalpur districts, the SRC directed the Collectors to take adequate precautionary measures and keep all field-level functionaries at strategic locations prone to waterlogging to meet any eventuality. 

Besides, he also directed to evacuate people from waterlogging areas if required and shift them to safe shelters and provide them with dry/cooked food and drinking water.

“Adequate Anti Snake Venum must be available in DHH/CHCs/PHCs. The local Fire Service Teams and ULB authorities shall take steps in de-watering and clearance of uprooted trees if arises,” the notification read.

Collectors may decide closure of schools and anganwadi centres if required due to heavy rain, the office added. 

"Anticipating heavy precipitations during next two days, ODRAF teams are being sent to Keonjhar and Sambalpur, Rairakhol for any rescue and search-related duties. NDRF teams are being deployed in Bhadrak and Jajpur," the notification added.