Baitarani, Jalaka breach danger mark; flood fear grips residents

Due to the recent incessant rainfall in the State triggered by a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area, the water level of Baitarani river has registered a sharp increase.

As per reports, the Baitarani river has breached the danger mark at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district on Wednesday. The river is flowing at 17.90 mts against the danger mark of 17.83 mts by 6 am this morning. This has led to apprehension of a possible moderate flood in the system.

This is the third time Baitarani has breached the danger mark this year.

Similarly, water level in Salandi, Reba and Kapali rivers has also been rising.

On the other hand, panic gripped the residents of low-lying areas in Balasore district after Jalaka river breached the danger mark near Mathani following incessant rain since the last couple of days. 

Villagers feared yet another flood as the river has swelled above 6.32 metre against the danger mark of 5.50 metre.

Several low-lying areas have been waterlogged in the district causing inconveniency to the residents. Road communication has been snapped at many places as water is overflowing on many roads.

With the regional centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing yellow alert to as many as nine districts, situation may become grim in coming time.