Heavy rain to lash Odisha districts till August 20; SRC puts 14 districts on alert

In view of the formation of a low pressure area, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha till August 20, 2024.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu on Friday asked Collectors of 14 districts of the state to be prepared in view of IMD’s forecast for heavy rainfall from August 16 to August 20, 2024.

The Collectors of Angul, Bargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundargarh have been asked to remain alert as widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy rain may trigger flash flood/ flood-like situation in rivers and nullahs.

Apart from this, there could be a waterlogging situation in urban areas as well. The SRC has asked the Collectors to ensure that the engineers-in-charge keep a close watch on the embankments, especially weak and vulnerable points. Similarly, flood fighting materials may be kept ready at strategic places and immediate action be taken to prevent any breach, damage of roads, if any.

The urban local bodies have also been asked to make advance arrangements for dewatering from areas likely to face waterlogging.