Heavy rains continued to lash most parts of Orissa as the deep depression, formed over the North West Bay of Bengal, crossed the coast near Paradip on Monday morning.

The system crossed the coast between 6.30 am and 7.30 am and presently lay centred close to Cuttack, the meteorological office said.

It was likely to move in a west-north-westerly direction and weaken gradually, triggering heavy rains in interior parts of the state, Met office Director S C Sahu said.

While Puri received the highest amount of rainfall (22 cm) in the past 24 hours ending 0830 hours on Monday morning, the capital city got 18.6 cm rains, flooding low-lying areas.

Nimapara in Puri district also experienced nearly 18 cm rainfall followed by Paradip (15 cm), Tangi (12 cm) and Berhampur (11.8 cm).

The met office had yesterday predicted very heavy rainfall (over 25 cm) in isolated places within 36 hours.