Cyclone Phailin: Chhattisgarh issues alert as heavy rains expected

Raipur: Chhattisgarh government has issued an alert to all its departments in view of the cyclone Phailin which is likely to trigger heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the area between south Bastar and the capital Raipur.

The meteorological department said that state may receive a heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours as clouds have begun to form in the southern part.

"Estimating the intensity of severe cyclone Phailin, instructions were issued to home, energy, water resources, disaster management, revenue and other departments to stay alert," an official in Raipur said.

Thundershowers with strong winds are expected at many places, particularly in the area between southern parts of the state and the capital Raipur, he said.

Water has been released from Gangrel Dam in Dhamtari district. Gangrel, one of the largest dams in the state, already has abundant water, and heavy showers may lead to the water level rising further.

The Collectors of the districts adjoining Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been specifically asked to be ready with action plan for rescue and relief.

Director General of Police Ramniwas said arrangements have been made to keep the helicopters stationed at Jagdalpur and other places in south Bastar safe from strong winds.

M L Sahu, senior scientist with Met department here, said, "The state may witness heavy rainfall coupled with strong winds in the next two days."

South Eastern Central Railway has cancelled some trains between Chhattisgarh and Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and diverted some others as a precautionary measure.

Korba-Visakhapatnam Express, Durg-Puri Express, Durg-Puri passenger were cancelled, while Ahmedabad-Puri train was stopped at Raipur. Lokmanya Tilak Terminal-Bhubneshwar Express was terminated at Bilaspur and Bilaspur-Tirupati Express was terminated at Raipur.