Normal Life In Odisha Hit By Low Pressure Induced Heavy Rainfall

Bhubaneswar: Normal life in several parts of Odisha has been adversely affected due to heavy rain triggered by low pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal last week. While incessant rain caused extensive damage to crops, several key cities and areas in the state remain waterlogged.

Even as situation is yet to normalize, another low pressure over Bay of Bengal is expected to compound miseries of people in the State. Already several parts of Odisha are experiencing heavy rainfall since last night under its influence.

Several pockets in Kendrapara district are now inundated following incessant rain for the past one week. Rainwater has entered the Tehsildar’s office and as per reports, several documents and other equipment in the office have been damaged.

“We are facing a lot of difficulties to work due to waterlogging,” said a staff.

Hemlata Bahalia, Kendrapara Tehsildar said, “Due to drainage problem, rainwater has entered the office premises. We had already made arrangements by shifting important documents to safety.”

Not only in Kendrapara, the condition is also grim in Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur districts and several parts of Cuttack district including Banki, Tigiria and Athagarh. Standing crops in these areas have been worst affected due to rainfall.

“We have been making repeated complaints for the last five years, but so far no steps have been taken to ensure proper drainage of rainwater. As a result, most of the crops in agricultural land are getting affected,” said a farmer from Tirtol block.

Meanwhile, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) today directed the district Collectors to remain alert in view of IMD’s forecast of heavy rainfall.

Red warning has also been issued for several districts till tomorrow.

Also Read: Heavy Rainfall Alert For Odisha; Red Warning For 9 Districts

“There would be waterlogging in low-lying areas and flash floods in hilly areas. We have already asked Collectors to remain alert,” said SRC Pradip Jena.

Jyotirmay Rath, chief engineer of Water Resources department said, “There is no possibility of flood in Odisha as the water level of major rivers is below danger mark.”

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)