Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 -- Housing and Urban Development Department has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha to remain fully prepared in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall in the coming days. Authorities in several districts have also taken precautionary measures, including closure of schools and Anganwadi centres and cancellation of leave for government employees.

Southern and coastal districts are expected to be among the areas to be most affected by the heavy rain. Administrations have stepped up preparedness to deal with flooding, waterlogging and other rain-related situations.

All Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers have been directed to keep Rapid Action Teams (RATs) ready for immediate deployment wher...