State ready to tackle any situation due to heavy rains: Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the administration was prepared to cope with any situation arising due to heavy rains which are predicted in the state in the next 48 hours.

"Already some parts of North 24 Parganas district are waterlogged due to rains yesterday but the administration is working round the clock with the local civic bodies. In the event of further heavy rainfall we are alert to cope with the situation," Banerjee told reporters at the city airport on way to UK.

She said the situation will be monitored during her visit abroad and prompt decision will be taken as and when required.

Intermittent rains hit the city and different parts of West Bengal in last 24 hours causing water-logging.

The MeT office predicted the state may expect heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours because of a low pressure along the north-east Bay of Bengal adjoining Bangladesh and the West Bengal coast.

"Heavy to very heavy rain (724cm) is likely to occur at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal and heavy rains (712cm) may occur in places over Odisha in the next 48 hours," a senior MeT official said last evening.

The MeT office also issued warning for fisherman going to the sea.