Odisha rains: Due to the low pressure system that is expected to bring heavy rain to all 30 districts over the next 48 hours, the Odisha government has issued a warning to its authorities that three of the state’s major rivers are swollen.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘Red Warning’ for heavy rains in several parts of Odisha for the next two days on Saturday.
“Today, a low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay of Bengal.” It will most likely move west-northwestwards.
“Become well marked over the next 12 hours and focus into a depression over the next 24 hours by August 14,” the IMD said.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall, is expected in central and southern Odisha today, with heavy rain also expected in the state’s core regions and interior tomorrow.
The state government has ordered its authorities to be on high alert since three of the state’s major rivers are swelling due to a low pressure system that is expected to bring heavy rain to all 30 districts over the next 48 hours. According to the Water Resources Department, six top officials have been tasked with monitoring the potential flood scenario in eight regions most likely to be affected by the deluge. Due to excessive rainfall, officials will also keep an eye out for potential floods in the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani River systems.
In contrast, some 1005 people have been relocated to higher and safer grounds in Sambalpur district in anticipation of a small-scale flood in the Mahanadi river system, according to OTV.
According to the Sambalpur Collector, 7 relief camps have been prepared to move residents, and water pumps have been deployed to wash away water from low-lying regions.
The Hirakud Dam managers opened four more reservoir gates today to release excess water. So far, the dam’s 34 gates have been opened to drain floodwaters.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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