BHUBANESWAR: The state government has asked district collectors to remain alert amid a forecast of heavy rain in 15 districts in the next 48 hours under the influence of a low pressure area over West Bengal."The situation is being closely monitored. The administration has been asked to be fully prepared to face any eventuality. The authorities must ensure that the respective district emergency operation centres function round-the-clock. They have been asked to report to the state emergency unit immediately, in case such a situation arises," special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi wrote to all collectors.The India Meteorology Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rain in the coastal districts of Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak , Cuttack, Kendrapada, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Puri, Sundergarh and Khurda in the next 24 hours. This apart, strong surface winds of 55 kmph are likely to blow along and off the Odisha coast, said the IMD bulletin. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, it added.

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