Bhubaneswar: The local meteorological centre predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the entire coastal belt in the next 24 hours following the formation of a low-pressure area over Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas.

A Met scientist said the rainfall would intensify because of a vigorous southwest monsoon and formation of another low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying every moment over the sea.

"There are multiple systems brewing around the state on the sea as well as on the land that will add to rainfall activities along the coastal belt. The rainfall activities will continue till August 5," said a Met scientist here.

According to the India Meteorological Department, besides the low pressure area over Uttar Pradesh, there was another cyclonic circulation over Gangetic Bengal, trough lines of southwest monsoon and a cyclonic circulation over northwest Bay of Bengal.

The city, which has already witnessed mild rainfall over the past two days, is expected to be lashed by more rain because of active systems surrounding the state. "We have informed the authorities concerned about the situation," said the scientist.

The Met's prediction has instilled fear among residents, who have witnessed severe waterlogging in the city during heavy rain. The civic body, however, has claimed to be ready to tackle the rain.

"We have been clearing encroachments over drains that caused the waterlogging in the past. The drainage master plan for Nayapalli is also ready to be taken up," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

IRC Village resident Pavan Kumar Mishra said they had no faith in the civic body's assurances. "I guess they are doing their job, but the results will come out when the rain comes," said Pavan, teacher at a private school.