Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the heavy rain forecast by the IMD, the Office of Special Relief Commissioner on Saturday issued an alert to the Collectors to remain prepared for any eventuality.
As per the IMD report, a cyclonic circulation lies over north Coastal Andhra Pradesh & neighbourhood between 5.8 km & 7.6 km above mean sea level. Further, cyclonic circulation will likely form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal around the 16th of July. Due to its impact, IMD has predicted heavy precipitation from July 15 to 19 across Odisha, the SRC’s advisory stated.
“On the effect of heavy rainfall, flash floods/OW-like situation/ water logging may arise in low-lying areas. Keeping this in mind, you are requested to take immediate action on the following points,” it added.
- Keep the field-level functionaries in strategic locations of flash flooding/ water logging alert &ready to meet any eventuality and should not leave headquarter;
- In urban areas, low-lying areas may have water logging and roads/drains may be submerged under water. In case of very heavy rain, people of low-lying areas may be shifted to safer locations temporarily;
- ULBs must keep the drains/stormwater channels de-congested, and adequate de-watering pumps may be deployed as per requirements;
- Traffic /plying of vehicles on submerged roads are to be regulated;
- De-watering steps may be taken in advance by pre-positioning water pumps with generators in low-lying areas suspectable to water logging;
- Ensure supervision of weak/ vulnerable points in river/ canal embankments. Flood-fighting materials may be pre-positioned at such places;
- Drainage clearance must be ensured for free flow of rain/flood water.
