Normalcy is fast returning at Similipal in Mayurbhanj district after the Cyclone Yaas induced rains caused devastation in the region in the last two days.
The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm made landfall close to north of Dhamra port in Bhadrak district and south of Balasore district at around 9 am on Wednesday.
Under the impact of the cyclonic storm, an-all time record rainfall occurred in Similipal on Wednesday night, leaving many rivers originating from the area in spate. It caused disruption in communication at several places and also triggered flash flood in the river catchments of the 2,750 square km tiger reserve.
Also Read
River Budhabalanga and its tributaries that run through the district swelled alarmingly and as many as 11 river systems of Similipal saw a sudden rise in water levels.
Apart from Budhabalanga, water level in other river catchment areas, including Khairi, Bhandan, Khadkei, Khairi, Polpala and other tributaries were also in spate.
However, the situation was brought under control by swift relief and restoration works taken up on war footing by the concerned district administration, NDRF personnel, forest and fire services departments.
As many as 15 teams were deployed in clearance work and restoration, using JCBs, of roads that were washed away by the flash flood in the region.
As many as 10 large trees were uprooted in different parts of Similipal on May 26 night, snapping communication on the route. However, it was immediately cleared by the disaster management teams. Many roads that were swept away in the flash flood are under construction.
Rescue operation is underway at Astakuanr gram panchayat, Nawna in Barehipani gram panchayat, Godasimilipal, Saruda and Budhabalanga regions by the Fire services and forest officials.
"Many roads in different gram panchayats have been swept away in the flash flood and over 70 houses have been damaged in the rainfall in several villages", informed Similipal Tiger Reserve Deputy Director, Jashipur Division, Sai Kiran.
Meanwhile, Barehipani recorded 508 mm rainfall, followed by Nawana North (489 mm), Bhanjabasa (480 mm), Kabatghai (452 mm), Ramatirtha (438 mm) from May 25 to May 28, informed authorities at the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).