IMD predicts heavy rain in four Odisha districts; 423 houses damaged

BHUBANESWAR: With IMD predicting heavy precipitation in interior and northern Odisha, the state government today issued alerts in four districts as pounding rain left 423 houses damaged in Malkangiri district and affected road connection at many places.

"The collectors of Bargarh, Balangir, Balasore and Bhadrak districts have been put on alert in view of the prediction made by IMD. The district authorities were told to remain prepared for any eventuality," Special Relief Commissioner(SRC) G V V Sarma said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation due to the heavy rains in Malkangiri and Nabrangpur districts.

The district collector of Malkangiri during a video conferencing with the Chief Minister informed that at least 423 houses have been damaged due to the rain and the roads between Malkangiri and Kalimela have been disrupted due to the flash flood caused due to rain.

Though the intensity of rain has lessened in Malkangiri district, about 600 people have been shifted to the relief camp as their houses are damaged, the District Collector said, adding that the relief materials including dry food packets are being distributed among the affected families.

Though there was not much damage due to the rain in Nabarangpur district, the collector said that the authorities have stocked required materials. The water level in Indravati and Bhaskel rivers were below the danger level.

Meanwhile, the IMD in its latest bulletin said that the depression over the state has weakened into a well marked low pressure area and now lies over interior Odisha and adjoining Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Under its impact, the IMD said that rain and thunder shower would occur at most places over north Odisha and many places over south Odisha during the next 24 hours.

"Heavy to very heavy falls may occur at one or two places over interior Odisha," said Sarat Chandra Sahu, the Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar, adding the rain would continue till June 26 in Odisha.

The IMD also suggested fishermen not to venture into the sea.