Incessant rain threatens floods in Orissa

Incessant rain threatens floods in Orissa  Bhubaneswar, Oct 2 : The threat of floods loomed over several districts of Orissa Friday as heavy rain continued to lash the state for the fourth day due to a cyclonic disturbance in the Bay of Bengal.

Coastal and northern Orissa received maximum rainfall since Thursday, leading to a rise in the water level in several major rivers.

Rescue boats have been rushed to Balasore district where 35,000 people have been affected, officials said.

The water level of rivers Budhabalanga, Baitarani and Brahmani is inching towards the danger mark at a few places.

The weatherman has predicted more rain over the next few days.

"The cyclonic circulation that has formed off the southern Orissa coast has moved towards Andhra Pradesh. But the rain will continue for the next couple of days. The warning for fishermen continues and they have been advised not to venture into sea," said S. N. Pasupalak, weather scientist of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology.(IANS)