Rain alert in Odisha

With the MET department
predicting heavy to medium rainfall in Odisha due to a low pressure formed off Sri Lanka coast, the special relief commissioner today put districts collectors on alert and asked farmers to shift their paddy crop to safe places.
"Heavy rains are expected in coastal, northern and southern Odisha from December 29 to January 1. The low pressure is likely to touch the southern coastal parts of the state on December 29," SRC P K Mohapatra told reporters.
In letters to district collectors, he said steps should be taken to save the paddy crop.
"As three more days are left for rain to hit the state, the farmers can easily shift their paddy crop to safe place," Mohapatra said.

The SRC also asked the cooperation and food supply and consumer welfare departments to make adequate preparations in mandis to face the situation.