Bhubaneswar: Civic officials swung into action from early on Saturday to ensure free flow of water following heavy overnight rain that triggered flood-like situations in different parts of the city.

Officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation took steps to pump out rainwater from inundated areas. Municipal commissioner Krishan Kumar issued directions to officials to spread out in areas prone to waterlogging and take remedial steps. Control room operators were put on alert, attending 121 calls at the time of filing this report. The new Bhubaneswar One helpline received about 100 complaints till 6 pm.

The municipal corporation formed a special team consisting of 40 engineers and 13 nodal officers for each sub-zone with respective team members from three sanitation agencies and 800 sweepers. Machinery, including earthmovers, cesspool vehicles and pumps, were also pressed into service.

The civic authorities collaborated with fire services personnel to control the situation. Sources said the civic teams attended almost all complaints, most of which were related to obstructions of drains at 68 places, including the petrol pump at ward No. 25, Balipatna basti at ward No. 19, LIC Colony at ward No. 38, Dhirikuti basti at ward No. 12 and Padmavati Vihar at ward No. 6.

The Odisha Fire Services personnel rescued 450 persons from 13 locations. They had to use boats at three localities and conducted dewatering work at nearly 46 places.

"The operations will continue on Sunday and the day after as the prediction for heavy rains still stands. We have cancelled our officials' holidays and asked them to remain in office or in the field till the situation improves. The situation is under control and people are requested not to panic," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.