Heavy rain kills three in Odisha

Heavy rainfall over the past three days has claimed three lives and disrupted life in Odisha, an official said Monday.

The incessant rains have hit road and railway traffic and triggered flash floods in several districts, the flood control department said.

While one person died in Boudh when the dilapidated walls of a house collapsed on him, Sambalpur and Kandhamal districts reported a death each, both by drowning, officials said.

The latest deaths has taken to 13 the number dead in rains.

Some places in Angul, Bargarh, Nawarangpur, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Rayagada districts recorded very heavy rainfall Sunday.

Dhankauda block in Sambalpur recorded 310 mm of rainfall, the highest in the state.

Over 5,000 people from Sambalpur have taken shelter in 25 relief camps after rain water flooded streets and homes. Sambalpur is located about 320 km from Bhubaneswar.

Although the water level in all major rivers is below the danger line, the authorities have alerted officials in western and southern districts to be prepared for any eventuality.