Depression in Orissa coast triggers heavy rain

Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: A well marked low pressure over North West Bay of Bengal has concentrated into a deep depression and lay centred at 100 kms east south east of Chandbali this morning causing heavy rains in several parts of Orissa.

Met sources said the system is likely to intensify further and move in a north-north westerly direction and cross Orissa coast between Balasore and Puri by tonight or tomorrow morning.

Under its impact heavy to very heavy rains will occur at most places over Orissa while squally weather with wind speed between 50 to 60 kmph is likely to prevail along and off Orissa coast during the next 24 hours.

The authority had hoisted local cautionary signal number three at Paradip, Puri, Chandbali and Gopalpur ports and advised the fishermen not to venture into the open sea.

Meanwhile, several parts of coastal and north Orissa experienced heavy rains throwing normal life out of gear. Several major rivers which were in spate last week but showing a receding trend during the last few days, have started rising following torrential rains since yestreday.

The depression also forced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to cancel his schedule visit to KBK areas today to review the programme and return to Delhi this noon. Mr Singh had arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit to the state.

UNI