Four dead in Orissa

Fears of fresh floods loomed over Orissa on Sunday as heavy rains triggered by a low pressure area pounded many parts of the state, raising water levels in major rivers and inundating low-lying areas. Four persons have been killed since Friday, official sources said here.

Normal life was affected by the incessant rains, snapping road links in several places, they said. Water level in several rivers, including Budha Balanga, Subarnarekha, Jalaka Britarani, Tel and Hati continued to rise, while that of Mahanadi, Brahmani, Rushikulya and Bansadhara were still below the danger mark, they said.

Release of water into the Hati river from Indravati dam has been stopped, while water level in rivers like Bansadhara fell as rains in Rayagada and neighbouring districts had stopped. Met office predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places over interior Orissa during the next 48 hours.