A depression over Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas, has been causing torrential rains in the past 48 hours over Odisha and West Bengal. Due to heavy rains, Baitarani River breached its embankment at Jajpur district of Odisha. Thousands of people from Jajpur and Bhadrak district were evacuated and moved to a safer places.
Previously the system was centered over Odisha and Barpeta, resulting in heavy spells of rain over the area with Keonjhargarh receiving 151 mm of rain on 20th and Jahrsuguda receiving 103 mm of rain on 21st July.
Here's a look at the rainfall figures of last two days according to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India.
| City/ District | Rain on 20th July, 2014(Rainfall in millimeters) | City/ District | Rain on 21st July, 2014(Rainfall in millimeters) |
| Keonjhargarh | 151mm | Jharsuguda | 103mm |
| Chandabali | 85mm | Bhabanipatna | 85mm |
| Paradip | 70mm | Titlagarh | 70mm |
| Cuttack | 50mm | Keonjhargarh | 59mm |
| Bhabanipatna | 50mm | Sambalpur | 54mm |
| Sambalpur | 44mm | Dhenkanal | 31mm |
| Titlagarh | 40mm | Pulbani | 28mm |
Such heavy showers over these areas are raising the risk of flood in Odisha. Presently the system is positioned over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. The Monsoon system is moving in a westward direction and is likely to ease out after 24 hours.
The government authorities are taking necessary precautions, as instructed by the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after reviewing the flood situation. Odisha Rapid action force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for rescue and relief operations in the Baitarani water region. The Irrigation Department has been asked to identify vulnerable points along the river embankments and deploy mobile patrolling teams for protection. The Urban Development, Health and Rural Development Departments have also taken up responsibility for providing drinking water to the affected people.
picture courtesy- U4UVoice
