Bhubaneswar: Decreasing water level has brought relief to daily commuters, but car owners are slowly starting to realise the magnitude of damage that the flash flood has caused their vehicles.

Thousands of vehicles were submerged in the city after Bhubnaeswar received 212.9mm rain between 8.30am on Friday and 5.30pm on Saturday. Automobile engineers have sounded alarm bells for owners of such cars.

An automobile expert warned that the engines cars submerged in rainwater needed complete overhaul.

"Once the level rises above the engine, the water enters its components such as piston, cylinder head, crank shaft and bearings and cause rust and corrosion. So, those need to be dismantled for a complete overhaul," said Regional Transport Officer (Chandikhol) Lal Mohan Sethy.

While the cost for engine overhaul for two-wheelers is between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 depending on the condition, the same for could reach up to Rs 50,000.

Owners thronged garages on Monday to get their vehicles serviced. "Most of the vehicles had rainwater in the engines. Some of those also had problems in the electric circuit. Our employees were busy throughout the day," said Sk Imtiaz, a garage owner at Old Town.

Experts also advised owners to get their vechiles towed to workshops instead of trying to start the engine.

"They should make alternative travel arrangements and get the vehicles towed to the service centres. Insurance compnies count the engine seize from waterlogging as negligence on part of the owner and may reject their claims," said automobile engineer Satya Prakash Tarai.

Thousands of cars and motorcycles were submerged at Chandrasekharpur, Old Town, Patia, Baramunda and Bomikhal following the rain. Vehicles parked in apartment blocks were also inundated.

A transport official apprehended spurt in sale of used cars that have been damaged by flood water. "The buyers must inspect cars to ascertain whether the vehicle was damaged before striking a deal."