Flood-hit districts slowly return to normalcy as water recedes

Bhubaneswar/Rayagada/Bhawanipatna: Situation in flood affected areas of Rayagada, Kalahandi, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts is limping back to normalcy on Wednesday as water receded in most places with relief and restoration on.

Vehicular traffic between Malkangiri and Motu was restored as water level on the road decreased after 24 hours. Flood victims have taken shelter at schools and multipurpose cyclone and flood centres. The district administration has set up community kitchens to feed affected people.

Worst hit Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada returned to normalcy as water level declined in Kumbharsahi, Gurujagada and Singiri areas of the block.

In Kalahandi, water level in Hati river subsided since Tuesday evening and vehicular movement resumed between Junagarh and Bhawanipatna with the decline in water flowing over the bridge. Marooned people rescued from the low lying areas near Bhawanipatna were given relief materials and cooked food.

"Flood situation is now under control. Relief and rescue operations are in progress in affected areas of Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. Food packets and relief materials are being airdropped in cut off villages near Niyamgiri hills. Electricity connection to around 3,000 families in the calamity hit areas of Kalhandi has been restored," SRC Bishnupada Sethi said.

On the other hand, vehicular movement came to standstill between Nabarangpur and Kalahandi as a road connecting the two districts was submerged near Dhanasoli. Similarly, an under construction bridge near Makia in Nabarangpur which connects Bhawanipatna was also flooded.

Meanwhile, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) asked all district Collectors to remain alert following an IMD forecast of heavy rainfall in interior and coastal parts.

Depression over Bay of Bengal which was likely to cross the Odisha coast by Tuesday night remained stationary. Under its influence, very heavy rainfall is expected in interior districts in next 24 hours, the SRC mentioned on the official Facebook page. Fishermen in coastal areas have been advised not to venture into the sea.

The districts where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected are Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Bargarh, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Angul, the FB post read.

The Collectors of Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur have been asked to be extra careful as the three districts have already been affected by flood, SRC said through the Facebook.