Odisha government sounds storm alert

Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 (IANS) The Odisha government Friday directed the district collectors to remain on alert following the formation of a low pressure area off the Sri Lankan coast Friday morning. In a letter, the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) directed the collectors to warn the farmers to take necessary steps to protect their harvested crops or those being harvested from damage due to rain. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low pressure area has formed over south Bay of Bengal near the south Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan coast which is likely to intensify into a depression and move towards north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha December 29. Under its influence, rainfall may occur in south, coastal and north Odisha.