District collectors put on alert; officials to stay put in headquarters: SRC

Bhubaneswar: With impending threat of floods in the state owing to incessant rains lashing almost all parts over the past few days, the district collectors have been asked to be on alert to meet with any exigency. In a letter to the collectors today, the Special Relief Commissioner has asked them to maintain vigil and stay prepared.

“As per the weather alert issued by the Met department, Odisha will be witnessing heavy to very heavy rainfall on July 20 and 21. That’s why we have informed all the districts and revenue divisions to remain alert. The District Emergency Operation Centers across the state have been instructed to be operational round the clock. All the concerned officials have been instructed to be present in headquarters. We have also asked them to contact the SRC immediately if situation deteriorates once water level in rivers rise due to rains,’’ said SRC Bishnupada Sethi.

Most parts of Odisha have been witnessing heavy rainfall since last few days throwing life out of gear. While roads have been submerged in many parts, bridges too have been seen overflowing with water cutting off places from mainland.