Balasore: Incessant rain under the impact of cyclone Yaas has triggered flood-like situation in Subarnarekha river which is flowing above the danger mark at Jamosala ghat in Balasore district.
The water level touched 50.88 metres at Jamosalaghat against the danger level of 49.16 metres.
The State government attributed the situation to intermittent rain in the upstream of the river in Jharkhand. Due to heavy downpours, the neighbouring State administration opened the Galudihi barrage. Due to influx of water from the barrage the water level increased in the downstream in Odisha, SRC PK Jena stated in a tweet.
Apprehending threat, the local administration has alerted the people residing in close proximity of the river in Balasore. They have been advised to shift to safer places as the river was swelling.
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However, the water is yet to touch the danger mark at Rajghat. As many as five panchayats in Baliapala and 10 in Bhograi block in Balasore will get affected if the water level crosses the danger mark.
Similarly, Baitarani river also witnessed a surge due to cyclone-induced heavy rains in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar district. However, the river had touched the danger level at Anandpur in Keonjhar yesterday.
“The water level touched the danger level. It will further increase in the downstream near Akhuapada. But the level in the upstream will decrease gradually after a little bit of increase. We are patrolling at the site and are alerted to face any eventuality,” said Rohit Sethy, chief engineer (construction), Water Resources department.
However, there is no such major risk as the water will recede gradually, he added.
People living in the lower catchment of Baitarani in Jajpur district are also in the grip of fear due to steady increase in water level in the downstream. The administration has advised the people to shift to safe places before situation worsens further.