Bhubaneswar: Odisha will remain on alert for the next 24 hours as a depression is likely to move through Baragada towards Chhattisgarh, with heavy rainfall forecast in several western districts, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.
Pujari said the next 24 hours would be crucial for the state, with heavy rainfall likely in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Boudh and Sundaragada districts.
“People need to remain alert for the next 24 hours as the depression is likely to move through Baragada towards Chhattisgarh,” Pujari said while speaking to the media.
He said the situation was expected to gradually return to normal by Saturday afternoon, while rainfall intensity was likely to decrease.
The minister said water levels in some rivers continued to remain above the danger mark. The Baitarani river was flowing above the danger level at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, while the Jalka river was flowing above the danger mark at Mathani.
“Rainfall is expected to decrease, and river water levels are likely to recede by tonight,” Pujari said.
The state authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, particularly in areas likely to receive heavy rainfall, as the weather system moves towards neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Officials have been monitoring river water levels and the rainfall situation in vulnerable areas. People in affected districts have been advised to remain alert during the next 24 hours.
The minister said the situation was expected to move towards normalcy by Saturday afternoon as the system weakens and rainfall intensity decreases.
