By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/KENDRAPARA: The Odisha Government on Monday cancelled leaves of all Works Department officials with immediate effect in view of heavy rain in past 2 days. The Depression over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha coast intensified into a Deep Depression and crossed the coast near Chandbali, early this morning, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).The system is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards across north Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh during the next 48 hours, the IMD forecasted.
Works Department Engineer In-Chief Dheeren Samal said though there is no flood-like situation in the state yet, water level of few rivers are on the rise. There are 20 highly sensitive places that vulnerable to breaches during floods. Officials concerned have been directed for field visit. Besides, night patrolling will also be carried out to take stock of situation, the official added
Meanwhile, with heavy rain caused by low pressure wreaking havoc in many parts of the state, two elderly persons were killed in wall collapse at separate places in State’s Kendrapada district.
Reportedly, an old man and another elderly woman died after walls of their respective houses got collapses due to heavy rain and fell on them. The deceased have been identified as Abhay Mohapatra of Badabetara village under Garadpur block and Namrata Prusty of Dhisahi village under Derabis block.
All schools in as many as 12 districts of Odisha, where Red Warning has been issued in view of heavy rainfall due to depression over Bay of Bengal, will remain closed for two days. The 12 districts are Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Sonepur and Bargarh.
