Sharmili Mallick

Rivers like Brahmani, Kharasrota and Baitarani flowing through Jajpur districts continued to swell submerging low-lying areas and paddy fields as the heavy rainfall triggered by the deep depression left its mark in several parts of Odisha.

People of several areas including Jajpur, Bari and Dasrathpur blocks of Jajpur district have been severely affected as the flood water has entered many villages of these blocks.

While a breach was reported near Bandhadihi in Rasulpur block in Brahmani River another two breaches were seen at Matipada under Bari block.

As a result, floodwater has submerged Dharpur, Sahupada, Balia and Ishanpur areas of the district. Similarly, the water of Kharasrota and Budhabalanga rivers have inundated Similia and Panasa areas in Jajpur block.

As per a report provided by the Jajpur district administration, around 92,000 people in 724 villages of the district have been affected while 66 villages have remained underwater and 48,000 hectares of farmland have been submerged in the floodwater.

The Additional District Collector said that the stranded people are being evacuated and taken to safer places. The district administration has also made arrangements for dry food for the affected people.

On the other hand, people of Dangadiha village under Thakurmunda block of Mayurbhanj have remained cut off from the mainland as the temporary wooden bridge over the Salindi River was washed away during the deep depression triggered rains in the region.

As a result, people are risking their lives by crossing the river by tying a rope from a tree on one end of the river to the other side of Salindi. 

Over 1,500 people of around 200 families residing in Bangali Sahi, Ghutu Sahi and Bal Sahi have remained stranded since Monday.

Though the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Tehsildar rushed to the region to review the flood situation, they could not cross the overflowing river.

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