Depression triggers heavy rains in Orissa, life paralysed

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5 (UNI) Life was affected in many parts of Orissa with several low lying areas being water-logged as heavy rains lashed the state since Saturday triggered by a depression in the Bay of Bengal.

Weathermen said the low pressure over the North West Bay of Bengal off Orissa-West Bengal coast today concentrated into a depression and lay centred at about 230 km south east of Balasore.

They said the system was likely to intensify further and move to West North Westerly direction and cross North Orissa- West Bengal coast between Paradeep and Digha by tonight.

Under its impact, heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall of more than 25 cms at isolated places over Orissa during next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, the authorities have hoisted the local cautionary signal number three at Paradeep, Chandbali, Puri and Gopalpur and advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea, as it would be very rough during the next 48 hours.

Met sources said squally surface winds from north westerly direction with speed reaching over 60 kmph are likely to occur along and off Orissa coast.

A Cuttack report said several areas in the city remained waterlogged following incessant rains since last night, bringing the normal life to a grinding halt.

The situation was also equally bad in many areas in the Capital city. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack wore a deserted look since early this morning, as heavy rains forced the people to remain indoor.

UNI