Bhubaneswar: With the formation of a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department has anticipated heavy rains along the Odisha coast in the next two days.
The regional Met centre has raised a red flag Sunday to alert fishermen against venturing into the sea in the next two
days. The department also predicted heavy rain in the coastal districts.
“Rains may lash the coastal areas in the next 24 hours in view of the low pressure which is forming over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal,” HR Biswas, head of Bhubaneswar Met centre said.
While the coastal areas are vulnerable to heavy rains, a few spells of rain could be experienced in isolated places in the interior parts of Odisha. Meanwhile, all District Collectors have been alerted in view of the heavy rain warning in the coastal areas, said Joint Special Relief Commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra.
Bhadrak and Balasore districts are expected to experience heavy rains October 30, Mahapatra said. On the other hand Gajapati district which was worst hit during the Titli cyclone is expected to be safe, he added.
State Agriculture Secretary Saurabh Garg said there is no need to panic as danger to crop is ruled out this time due to low intensity winds.
“In some areas, there may be heavy rainfall and we do not think the areas which are expected to have low intensity rains can have any impact on the crops in the coastal areas,” he said.
He also said the officials had talked to the OUAT authorities who had issued advisories suggesting “use of loon water spray to minimize panicle stage”.