By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 13, 2021: Even as Odisha is battling heavy rain under the influence of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, another low pressure is likely to hit the state by September 17, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) director general, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.

“A forecast has been made of another low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal by September 17. The system is likely to reach north Odisha by Sep 18”, Mohapatra said adding that under the influence of the fresh low pressure, spells of rainfall is very likely to be witnessed in the coastal districts of the State from September 17.

On the present deep depression, Mohapatra informed that the system has crossed Odisha coast near Chandbali on Monday morning and is likely to move towards Chhattisgarh. The rainfall will gradually subside in coastal areas, but its intensity will rise in the interior districts including Sambalpur, Angul, Deogarh, Bargarh and Boudh, he added.

Meanwhile, the city based Regional Meteorological Centre has predicted flood-like situation in the state due to the heavy downpour.

“Odisha may experience flood-like situation due to incessant heavy downpour. Though rainfall deficit will be reduced, non-stop showers might bring in fresh problems. The situation in coastal Odisha is likely to change for the better by this evening,” said Umashankar Das, scientist at the RMD Bhubaneswar.

Puri witnessed the highest of 341 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, breaking an 87-year record as per the data released by the Regional Meteorological Department in Bhubaneswar recorded between 8.30 am on Sunday and 7.30 am today.

The last time when Puri had witnessed such rainfall was on September 20, 1934. The pilgrim city had then logged 210.8 mm rainfall in a day.

Similarly, Bhubaneswar also broke 63-year-old rainfall record for 24 hours when the Capital City witnessed 195 mm rainfall between 8.30 am on Sunday and 8.30 am today, said the RMD centre here. The City had recorded 163 mm rainfall in a day on September 5, 1958.