Bhubaneswar, July 27: Amid heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday appealed to people not to panic, assuring that the state government is fully prepared to deal with any situation arising from the prevailing weather conditions.

After chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials, Pujari said Odisha is expected to receive normal to heavy and isolated extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours from Monday evening. However, he noted that the intensity of rainfall is likely to decrease thereafter. He also clarified that there is no immediate flood threat, as the water levels in all major rivers, including the Mahanadi, remain well below the danger mark.

The Minister said district administrations and field-level officials have been placed on high alert. Pumps have been kept ready to drain water from low-lying and waterlogged areas, while adequate stocks of tarpaulins have been positioned for emergency distribution. Arrangements have also been made to provide cooked food to affected people wherever necessary. Teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the Fire Services have been deployed on standby to respond swiftly to emergencies.

As a precautionary measure, educational institutions remained closed in Jagatsinghpur, Subarnapur, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapada districts following the India Meteorological Department's forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The incessant rain also briefly disrupted railway operations on the Rayagada-Koraput route after water accumulated on tracks between Tikiri and Rauli stations. Services resumed after the water receded.

According to the IMD, Banki in Cuttack district recorded the highest rainfall in Odisha at 192 mm during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, followed by Athagarh (174 mm), Sonepur (135 mm) and Kendrapada (133 mm). Authorities have urged people to remain vigilant and follow official advisories until weather conditions improve.

Powered by Froala Editor