Heavy rains trigger flood threat in Odisha

Odisha Sun times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 20:

Two days of heavy rains in most parts of Odisha have triggered fears of possible floods. The state government, which has put all districts on alert, is now gearing up to tackle the threat.

“While water level in all major rivers has gone up, none of the rivers has crossed the danger mark till this morning. However, it is most likely that these rivers would cross the danger mark if the rain continues over the next 48 hours”, the deputy relief commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra told media persons here this morning.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused a flood-like situation in Nayagarh district. 

According to reports, the water levels of Brutang as well as Kusumi and Dahuka-two tributaries of river Mahanadi -were on the rise.

Road communication to Badasilinga and Sanachhamundia panchayats in Gania block (Nayagarh) has been cut off as the approach road at Sanachhamundia was swept away by the raging floodwater last night. Nearly 50,000 people in more than 50 villages of these two panchayats are surrounded by the floodwater, reports said.

Reports from Ganjam district said the water level of Rushikulya and its tributaries Loharakhandi and Badanadi was on the rise.

In Rayagada district in south Odisha, Bansadhara and Nagabali were flowing  close to the danger level. The water level is likely to rise further due to incessant rainfall in the district, reports said.

In north Odisha, water level in major rivers -Brahmani, Baitarani and Budhabalanga- was also rising and is likely to cross the danger mark if  the heavy rainfall forecast by the Met office in the upper catchment of these rivers do occur in the next 24 hours.