IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sept 15: In major respite for drought prone Odisha, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty surface wind in several places of the state in the wake of well marked low pressure over west central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.

Yesterday's low pressure area over west central Bay of Bengal and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal now lies as a well marked low pressure area over the same area off South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh Coast, a bulletin issued by the IMD said on Tuesday.

Under its influence, the bulletin said rain or thundershower may occur at most places over the state. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall would occur at one or two places over interior Odisha and heavy rainfall would occur at one or two places over coastal Odisha," it said.

Gusty surface wind speed reaching from 40 to 45 KMPH gusting to 50 KMPH from easterly direction would prevail along and off Odisha Coast, it said.

Though there was no advice for hoisting storm warning signals in any port, the IMD cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea during the period.

The rain due to the low pressure is most welcome as cultivation in 103 of the state's 314 blocks is severely hit due to scanty rainfall in July and August, said Agriculture Minister Pradeep Kumar Maharathy.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday sought a report from the agriculture department within seven days on the prevailing dry spell situation in 103 blocks spread over 23 districts.]

PTI