Bhubaneswar, July 4: The Odisha Government is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation as a well-marked low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal continues to trigger widespread rainfall across the State. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), remains on round-the-clock alert in coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), said an official release.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely to occur over parts of Odisha.
Sambalpur, Angola, Boudh, Sonpur and Kandhamala districts, which have put under Red Alert are expected to receive isolated extremely heavy rainfall, while orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Kataka, Dhenkanal, Nayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Baragada, Kalahandi and Rayagada.
Yellow warning for heavy rainfall is also forecast for Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Debagada, Sundaragada and Jharsuguda.
During the last 24 hours ending at 8.30 AM on Saturday, the State recorded an average rainfall of 24.8 mm.
Sohela Block in Baragada district recorded the highest rainfall at 202 mm. Six blocks received more than 100 mm rainfall, while 38 blocks and four stations in three Urban Local Bodies recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm. The cumulative rainfall in the State from July 1 to July 4 stood at 94.2 mm, which is 115.8 per cent above the normal average of 43.7 mm.
Despite the widespread rainfall, all major rivers in the State are currently flowing below the warning level.
According to an official release of the SRC, the State Government has directed all districts, which have been issued Red, Orange and Yellow, warnings to keep the administrative machinery fully prepared to respond to any eventuality.
District administrations have been advised to take precautionary measures against localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of urban underpasses, and possible damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures, horticultural crops and standing crops. People have been urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates and take shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast from July 4 to July 7, considering the prevailing weather conditions.
The State Emergency Operation Centre is continuously monitoring the situation in close coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments. As of now, the overall situation in the State remains normal, and the Government is prepared to respond promptly to any weather-related emergency.
