Bhubaneswar, July 21: Heavy rainfall in Odisha has thrown life out of gear over the past week as parts of southern, western and coastal areas across the state are reeling under flood and water-logging problems. The heavy downpour triggered flood-like situation in the state, disrupting vehicular movement due to water-logging at several places.

Following heavy rainfall in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and the seaside pilgrim town of Puri,  locals have been facing a harrowing time as water has entered their houses.  Locals say,"Even our houses are filled with water. We have complained everywhere but no steps have been taken up by the government".

According to Odisha TV, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Krishan Kumar informed that a special squad comprising 13 nodal officers and 40 engineers has been formed to tackle waterlogging in the city. Meanwhile, over 30 pumps, 5 JCBs and other heavy equipment have been engaged for dewatering and rescue operations.

On Friday,  heavy rain lashed parts of Odisha inundating several places in Malkangiri, Kaldhamal and Gajapati districts. In Bhubaneswar, low-lying areas in Jaydev vihar, Acharya Vihar, Nayapalli, Jagamara, Vani Vihar, Gouri Nagar, Tankapani Road, Old Town and Chandrasekharpur witnessed water-logging.

The state government has put collectors on high alert on the possibility of floods. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that under the influence of a low-pressure area formed over the north-west Bay of Bengal and its neighbourhood and associated cyclonic circulation, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in different districts with extremely heavy rainfall in some places during the period from July 20 to 22.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2018 06:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).