Odisha reviews preparedness to tackle flood

Bhubaneswar, July 21: With water level rising in several Odisha rivers following incessant rains and a forecast of more rains due to a depression, the state government today reviewed preparedness to deal with possible flood.

"There is a possibility of flood in Keonjhar, Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. All arrangements are being made to deal with any situation," Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra told reporters after the situation was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary J K Mohapatra.

Instruction has been given to the Collectors of these three districts to take steps for evacuation of people from low-lying areas to safe places, he said.

Teams of agencies like Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been sent to these districts to undertake necessary evacuation and rescue operations, Mohapatra said.

In view of heavy rains pounding many parts of Odisha for the last three days and forecast of more rainfall, the SRC's office has already asked all the districts to remain watchful and be in readiness to meet any eventuality.

The meteorological center here said more rainfall is expected for next few days as the low pressure area formed over North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha has rapidly concentrated into a depression.

PTI