Rains disrupt life in many parts of Odisha

Widespread rains under the impact of a depression disrupted normal life in several parts of Odisha, which was covered by the south west monsoon today.
The weatherman forecast heavy to very heavy rains in several areas of the state till tomorrow as the depression crossed the coast between Gopalpur and Puri during the day.
Incessant rains lashed parts of Odisha since Friday and the entire state was covered by south-west monsoon during the day raising prospects of more downpour.
An IMD bulletin said the depression over northwest and west central Bay of Bengal off south Odisha - north Andhra Pradesh coasts moved northwest wards and crossed Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Puri. It lay centered about 90 km southeast of Phulban.

The system would move northwest wards and weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area during the next 24 hours, it said.
Under its impact, rain and thundershower would occur at most places of Odisha during next 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall would occur at one or two places over interior Odisha and heavy rainfall at one or two places over coastal Odisha, the MeT centre said.

Strong and squally surface wind from south easterly direction in north Odisha and from south westerly direction in south Odisha coast with speed reaching 45-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph would prevail along and off Odisha coast.

Sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Odisha Coast and fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea, it said.
The southwest monsoon has further advanced into remaining parts of Odisha and covered the whole state today, the MeT office said.
Incessant rains paralysed normal life in many areas including Malkangiri, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada and Ganjam.
Life was thrown out of gear in Malkangiri which recorded more than 320 mm rainfall since Friday, official sources said adding road communication to Kalimela, Korkunda, Padia and other areas of the district had been snapped and rain water submerged many areas.