Patna: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which crossed the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, continued to influence Bihar on Saturday, bringing persistent rain and heavy to very heavy showers in western and central districts. The IMD, Patna, said rainfall would ease from Sunday as the system weakens.The system, which weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south interior Odisha, moved north-northwestwards towards southeast Uttar Pradesh.IMD Patna meteorologist Kumar Gaurav said moderate rain was expected on Sunday, with isolated showers from Monday. Western districts could receive very heavy rain and central districts heavy rain. Gopalganj, East Champaran, West Champaran, Saran, Siwan, Patna and Sheohar were among those affected by heavy rain and gusty winds.Gaurav advised farmers to avoid irrigation, move harvested kharif crops to covered locations and properly store crops kept out for drying. People were advised to stay indoors during strong winds, while boatmen should avoid riverbanks.The Patna Municipal Corporation continued round-the-clock drainage operations. Municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena inspected Harding Road, the airport and other locations. Super sucker machines were deployed at Bakri Market, Gandhi Maidan and Karbigahiya, while teams cleared roads blocked by fallen trees.
