The low depression-triggered torrential rains, that have been hitting hard most parts of the State for the past three days, has paralysed life and slowed down the cargo operations at Paradip Port.
In the last 24 hours, Paradip received 96 MM rainfall causing flood-like situation in low-lying areas of Atharabanki, Nuabazar, Sandhakuda, Madhuban etc. All the drains in these areas are overflowing due to water logging. People here are also having a tough time due to skyrocketing of prices of the essential commodities. Rail and road communications have been affected as the DMU from Palasa has been halted midway due to submergence of rail tracks in floodwaters.
Due to continuous rains cargo output has come down drastically here. Fertiliser vessel Silver Dragon, Iron ore carrier Senorita are the worst hit as there has been no discharge and loading for the last 3 days.
The berths, various cargo stacking area inside the port prohibited area, have been submerged in rainwater resulting in the delay in cargo operations. The Met department has predicted heavy rains accompanied with wind at the speed of about 60 kmph for the next 24 hours.