Heavy rainfall alert issued for coastal Odisha; schools on watch

The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for several coastal districts of Odisha, with officials asking local administrations to keep drainage channels clear and fishing boats ashore.

District collectors in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Ganjam have been asked to review night shelters and low-lying settlements. Power utilities said emergency crews would be on standby if trees fall on lines.