Heavy rain forecast in Odisha, trains affected

Widespread and heavy to very heavy rain is likely in Odisha over the next two days, the weatherman said here Friday, prompting the railways to terminate some trains midway.

The low pressure area over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast now lies over the region, an official of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre told IANS.

Under its influence, rain or thundershowers will occur at most places in the state during the next two days. Several places are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rain, he said.

Fishermen have been advised against venturing out to sea as strong winds, reaching 45-55 km per hour, are likely to prevail along and off the coast, he said.

The Bhubaneswar headquartered East Coast Railway in a statement said it has decided to short terminate five trains in the Kottavalasa-Koraput-Kirandul railway section and the Koraput-Rayagada railway section in view of the prediction of heavy rain.

The railways also said they have cancelled the Visakhapatnam-Koraput Express scheduled to leave Visakhapatnam Friday and the Koraput-Visakhapatnam Express scheduled to leave Koraput Saturday.