Paradip/Kendrapara: While the MeT department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall October 11 and 12 in 13 districts in the wake of cyclonic storm ‘Titli’, people living in seaside villages of Coastal districts seem to be a worried lot.
While moderate thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rainfall with wind reaching 55-65kmph is likely to occur at the mentioned districts, people are worried about water logging and deluge that the heavy rains may cause.
The government issued red warning in Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts where people were panicked by the threat of water-logging. While last month’s depression brought life to a standstill in several parts of the state, people feared the situation would turn worse this time.
Following the depression in the first week of September, there was a flash flood-like situation. The showers had submerged every road and low-lying areas. Water gushed into homes while people in low-lying areas were confined to their houses for three to four days due to non-release of rain water. Many places were under knee-deep water.
Locals are apprehensive that a similar situation will arise if it rains heavily again under the impact of the cyclonic storm.
On the other hand, villagers were scared of the ingress of tidal waves due to the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Jagatsinghpur deputy collector Manorama Jalli said the district administration has made elaborate arrangements to deal with the situation. Control rooms have been set up in every block and essential commodities and sand bags have been stocked, she added.
Meanwhile, panic gripped residents were shifted from the coast. Fire services personnel were put on alert in coastal districts with required equipement for rescue and evacuation of people from flood-prone areas.
Tourists and devotees have also started leaving the areas in view of the approaching cyclone.
PNN