Odisha govt tells city authorities to prepare for flood, water logging as monsoon approaches

BHUBANESWAR, Odisha: The Government of Odisha has urged all district collectors and municipal commissioners to be ready for the possible flood-like situation and waterlogging as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rainfall in the state starting June 26.

Satyabrata Sahu, Special Relief Commissioner, wrote letters to all collectors and municipal commissioners in Odisha warning them that the IMD has predicted intense rainfall in the state from June 26. Sahu added, “As a result, there may be instances of flash floods, flood-like situations, waterlogging, and landslides at different locations. Keeping this in mind, you are requested to take immediate action.”

Also, field-level officers should be kept ready in strategic locations to counter any contingency situation, such as flash floods and waterlogging, as the low-lying urban areas and roads can get submerged in water.

He asked the civic bodies to ensure that all the drains and stormwater channels are clean and decongested. Apart from that, dewatering pumps should also be kept handy. The SRC has also asked to place dewatering pumps ready in the areas prone to water logging.

If required, movement of vehicles on submerged roads can be controlled and people residing in the low-lying areas can be evacuated to safer locations until the situation improves.