The Chief Engineer of Odisha Water Resources Department (WRD) Jyotirmaya Rath on Friday said that due to heavy rainfall in the upper stream of Subarnarekha River since the last two days, under the impact of Cyclone Yaas, medium flooding is expected in the river system.
Rath further stated that the water-level in the upper stream of Subarnarekha at Jamshola Ghat in West Bengal-Odisha border touched the danger-level at around 9 pm yesterday.
The water level touched 50.88 metres at Jamosalaghat against the danger level of 49.16 metres on Thursday night, said reports.
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"The flood water will reach State at around 6 pm following which it will cross danger-mark near Rajghat in Balasore district," informed Rath.
However, as inflow of water has decreased in the upper stream of Subarnarekha River since the last three hours, the water-level is gradually receding there. Similarly, after the floodwater reaches the State, it will remaun for some hours and gradually recede.
The district administration has identified the low lying areas and necessary steps will be taken as and when required. The water is unlikely to enter villages and recede within some hours, added Rath.
"People residing in the riverside areas have been alerted through public address system. There is no need for panic", said the Chief Engineer.
On the other hand, Baitarani River also witnessed a surge due to cyclone-induced heavy rains in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts. The water-level of the river had touched the danger level at Anandpur in Keonjhar yesterday.
"The water level had 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 the site and are alert to face any eventuality,” said Rohit Sethy, chief engineer (construction), Water Resources department adding that there is no such major risk as the water will recede gradually.
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.