Heavy rainfall forecast over coastal Odisha during next 12 hours

The depression over northwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Odisha Coast moved northeastwards and lay centred about 210 km south-southwest of Paradip and 125 km southeast of Gopalpur. 

Met office said the system is very likely to move northeastwards off Odisha coast and weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area during next 24 hours.Under its impact rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over coastal Odisha during next 12 hours. 

In view of rains forecast for next two days by the IMD, the Odisha government has cancelled next two holidays of field staff of its Agriculture and Revenue departments in 15 rain-hit districts.

Chief



Minister Naveen Patnaik while asking Collectors to remain alert and monitor the situation constantly, he directed to review the situation arising out of unseasonal rains and its effect on crops in these districts. 

The district collectors were also asked to send detailed information regarding payment of input subsidy to the affected farmers affected in drought and pest affected areas so that they can undertake cultivation of Rabi crops early. 

The twin calamity has struck farmers in Odisha in recent weeks. An attack by brown planthoppers - insects that feed on rice plants - has destroyed paddy fields on 1.7 lakh hectares in 8,211 villages across nine districts in the State.