Rourkela, a city in Odisha's Sundergarh district, is facing a severe flooding situation due to heavy rainfall. The city's streets and low-lying areas are submerged, causing disruptions to daily life and transportation. The Rourkela railway station's parking area has been completely flooded, with autos, bikes, and four-wheelers submerged in water.
Causes of Flooding:
- The flooding is attributed to the blockage of drains near the station, which was recently cleared after joint efforts by slum residents and Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) employees.
- The RMC and railway officials have assessed the situation and are working to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
Impact on Transportation:
- Train services may be affected due to waterlogging on tracks, as seen in similar incidents in the past where trains were cancelled or diverted.
- Commuters are facing significant inconvenience, with some passengers describing the situation as "looking like a river" at the station.
Weather Forecast:
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha, including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
- Two low-pressure areas have formed in the Bay of Bengal, which are likely to bring heavy rainfall to the state.
- A low-pressure area is expected to form over northwest Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining areas, while another is likely to form over northwest Bay of Bengal and coastal West Bengal and Odisha.