Cyclone Phailin: Meteorological department warned of heavy rainfall in North Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: The meteorological department has warned of heavy rainfall along with high velocity winds in Northern Chhattisgarh due to the impact of Cyclone "Phailin".

Heavy, to very heavy rains are expected to lash districts of Sarguja division neighbouring in Jharkhand until 9 am tomorrow, Raipur Meteorological Centre Director M L Sahu told PTI here today.

Wind storms at 50 kmph could trigger in the northern belt of the state, while other districts may witness light to moderate showers as clouds have begun forming in several pockets, he added.

Officials have been told to monitor water levels of rivers in the northern part of the state as a precautionary measure to avoid flood like situation, another official said.

The disaster management department is monitoring the situation, as heavy rainfall expected in Jharkhand and Bihar may increase river water level in North Chhattisgarh, he said.

District collectors in Jharkhand and Odisha in the northern region have been put on alert, he said.