At a time when Birbhum and Murshidabad in South Bengal are experiencing flood-like situation due to heavy rainfall, the northern part of the State is reeling under unusually high temperature.
Temperature had gone up to 37 degree Celsius in Jalpaiguri whereas in Kalimpong in Darjeeling district it is nearly 30 degrees Celsius. On other hand several areas of Lubpur and Suri Sadar block in Bribhum and Kandi and Jangipur subdivisions of Murshidabad are facing a flood-like situation.
Pointing out that the temperature in North Bengal during the monsoon season was not usually so high, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Alipore, G. C. Debnath said this was happening due to the lack of rainfall there.
“As the depression is currently over the Bay of Bengal and the adjoining coastal area, all the atmospheric moisture is rushing towards its centre and periphery. It is because of this no moisture is reaching North Bengal,” Mr. Debnath told on Tuesday. He also said that during monsoon, the districts in North Bengal receive considerably high rainfall and the normal temperature during this time of the year was around 32 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, according to the forecast of the regional weather observatory in Kolkata, South Bengal will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. The rainfall will occur as depression has formed over Bay of Bengal, West Bengal and the adjoining areas of Bangladesh coast which will intensify into a deep depression.
“The fishermen of the coastal areas of West Bengal have been advised not to venture into the sea for the next three days. Heavy to very heavy rain of seven to 24 cm may occur at isolated places of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Bardhaman, Howrah, East and West Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas,” said Mr. Debnath.
Odisha issues flood alert
The Odisha government on Tuesday sounded the first flood alert of the season following incessant rain recorded in north and coastal parts of the State during past 48 hours.
Water level in four rivers such as Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga has been steadily rising. In fact, by Tuesday noon water level had already crossed danger mark at Anandpur and Akhuapada in Baitarani River and at Jamsolaghat in Subarnarekha River.
By evening, flood water had entered four panchayats -- Sohada, Karada Khadipada and Pradhani -- in Dhamnagar area in Bhadrak district. The district administration immediately evacuated villagers from low-lying areas.
Fire service personnel have rescued nine persons to safety at Motangapal under Korei Block of Jajpur district. According to Special Relief Commissioner, under the influence of depression over North-West Bay of Bengal, heavy rainfall has occurred in the catchment of areas of Baitarani and Subarnarekha triggering high flood in these rivers. “During last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, rainfall recorded in Baitarani basin is 95.6 mm and that in Subarnarekha Basin is 99 mm. Both the rivers are still rising,” said SRC. Keeping the situation in view, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Mayurbhanj district administrations have been asked to step up their preparedness.
