Flood woes in Odisha: After Jagatsinghpur, schools in Kendrapara to remain shut for 2 days

All schools in three blocks-  Garadpur, Marshaghai and Mahakalapada of Kendrapara district will remain closed for two days in view of floods, the District Education Officer (DEO) announced on Tuesday.

The school will remain closed on August 17 and 18. However, the teachers need to go to the schools, the DEO said.

Earlier, schools in Jagatsinghpur were said to be closed tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the floods in the major rivers across Odisha have affected as many as eight districts and several villages are already inundated after Hirakud Dam released excess flood water through 40 sluice gates.

On Tuesday, a total of 14 gates of Hirakud Dam were opened. The current inflow into the reservoir is 6,91,950 cusec, while the outflow is 6,10,003 cusec.

"The flow of Mahanadi is at its peak at Mundali in Cuttack and it will continue for another 8 to 9 hours till 3 am. The floodwater will move to the sea by 6 pm to 9 pm tomorrow. Around 2 lakh people have been affected by the floods," informed SRC Pradeep Jena.

Further, Jena said, "Two embankment breaches have developed in Mahanadi river system while 1366 villages under 49 blocks have been affected. To aid the flood victims, 90 free kitchens have been set up and Collectors have been directed to take necessary steps."

However, Jena clarified that there is no chance of flood in the Brahmani river. 

Meanwhile, panic gripped the locals after the floodwater caused 100 feet breach in the Rajua river near Tirimal in Jatni,

Meanwhile, the Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak has directed to form squads to keep an eye on black marketing and hoarding during floods.