Heavy rain to lash Odisha in next few days: MeT

Heavy rain is likely to pound many parts of Odisha in next few days as a low pressure area may form over the Bay of Bengal, the Meteorological Centre here said on Wednesday.

The low pressure area, likely to form over northeast Bay of Bengal by August 4, will trigger rainfall in many places of the state and the intensity will increase from August 2, a MeT official said.

Under its influence, rainfall would increase gradually from August 2. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur in several places in Koraput, Kalahandi, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda and Angul districts, he said.

From August 3, heavy to very heavy rainfall may lash districts such as Koraput, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, while heavy rainfall will take place in some areas of Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Khurda districts, he said.

Similarly, heavy to very heavy rainfall will pound several areas of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Koraput, Cuttack districts from August 4.

Districts like Malkangiri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khurda, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Angul will also experience heavy rainfall on August 4 and 5, the MeT centre said adding the rain may continue till August 6.

Under the influence of the system, high velocity wind is likely to sweep coastal and adjoining districts.

The catchment areas of rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha may receive heavy precipitation between August 3 and 6.

As most parts of Odisha received showers in last few days, the quantum of rainfall deficit in the state has come down to 20 per cent from around 32 per cent recorded on July 24, officials said and expressed the hope that the deficit will come down further in next few days.

Meanwhile, the situation in Malkangiri district which faced flood-like situation on Monday following incessant rains, improved considerably with water receding from submerged low-lying areas.

Revenue Minister Sudam Marndi and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi visited Malkangiri and made an aerial review of the situation.