Odisha rain: 481 villages in 12 districts affected, says SRC

As many as 481 villages in 12 districts across Odisha have been affected by the incessant rain, informed Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu on Thursday.

Briefing the media, Sahu said, “There is an apprehension of a medium-scale flood in Mahanadi river system. Collectors have been asked to submit damage assessment reports once the rain subsides.”

Sharing details about the preparedness for possible floods, Sahu said, “Necessary arrangements have been made in seven districts in view of possible flood in the Mahanadi system. As many as 23 ODRAF, eight NDRF and 62 Fire Services teams have been deployed in the affected areas.”

The SRC has also directed concerned officials to ensure 24x7 patrolling of vulnerable river embankments with the support of local police and Department of Water Resources (DoWR) engineers.

Besides, the officials have also been directed to evacuate people from low-lying areas as may be required and shift them to safe shelter buildings with light, toilet, water and food arrangements.

"Around 9 lakh cusecs of flood water is likely to pass in river Mahanadi at Mundali by this evening. It will take around 12 hours for floodwater to reach Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri. So, the Collectors of these three districts have been asked to remain alert," the SRC informed adding that, there is a risk of medium-scale flood and all are prepared for it.