Even as the overall flood situation is gradually improving in Mahanadi, flood threat has now cropped up in Subarnarekha river system owing to incessant rainfall triggered by the deep depression.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said that several districts, including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and neighbouring Jharkhand experienced heavy rainfall under the influence of the deep depression system.
“High flood expected in Balasore and Mayurbhanj following the release of around 6 lakh cusecs of water from Galudih barrage by Jharkhand through 16 gates. As a result, there will be high flood in Subarnarekha downstream. Water is flowing 4mt above danger mark at Jamsola. Baliapal, Bhograi, Jaleswar and Basta areas will be affected,” said Jena.
The SRC said the impact of flood will be more compared to the flood in 2008. There's a possibility of the situation getting worse, so we need to remain alert. We hope there will be no flood-like situation in Budhabalanga, he said.
According to Jena, the impact of the flood will be a bit on the higher side. Already 58 additional operating teams of ODRAF, Fire Services have been sent to both the districts yesterday.
Don’t underestimate power of flowing water: Odisha SRC appeals to people
The concerned district administrations in both the districts are taking appropriate steps for evacuation and other related issues in view of the flood scenario. A coordinated effort is underway to ensure ‘zero casualty, the SRC said.
The SRC further informed that there is no longer flood situation in the Mahanadi river system as the overall situation is gradually improving.
“Even though Kandhamal, Boudh and Kalahandi districts experienced rainfall, there will not be much impact as the gates of the Hirakud dam were closed. The overall flood situation is improving as the outflow through Mundali now stands at 8.30 lakh cusecs. Now efforts are on to assess the damage,” the SRC added.