Odisha orders relief measures in rain-affected areas

The Odisha government on Friday directed the District Collectors to take measures to provide relief to people as at least 25 blocks in the state recorded heavy rainfall.

"At least 25 blocks in eight districts have received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours (since Thursday afternoon). We have directed the concerned District Collectors to carry out relief measures and damage restoration works," said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupad Sethi.

The districts are Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Puri and Rayagada, he added.

The highest rainfall of 274 mm was recorded in Kanas block of Puri. Three other blocks also recorded more than 200 mm rainfall -- Khunta and G.B. Nagar in Mayurbhanj (217.2 mm each) and Chilika in Puri (207 mm).

In what could be worrying for the state, the met department predicted more rainfall till Saturday due to a depression which disrupted normal life in many parts of the state.

Having crossed the Odisha coast last night, the depression on Friday moved northward and lay centred about 25 km west of Chandbali.

"The system is very likely to move nearly Northwards for some time and then North-Northeastwards. As the system is expected to move nearly North-Northeastwards close to the coast, moisture incursion would continue during next 24 hours and hence the system is very likely to maintain its intensity during next 24 hours," said local met centre.

Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of the Meteorological Centre here said it is very likely to weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area thereafter.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to occur at one or two places in districts of coastal Odisha and heavy rainfall at one or two places in districts of interior Odisha during next 24 hours," said Sahu.

Paradip and Gopalpur ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number three, he added.

Strong gusty surface wind from Southeasterly direction in North Odisha coast and Northwesterly direction in south Odisha coast with speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph likely to prevail along and off Odisha coast.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as the condition of sea would be rough to very rough along and off Odisha coast, Sahu said.

--IANS

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