Flood situation improves in Balasore

Balasore: Though the floodwaters of Subararekha and Jalaka rivers are still flowing over the danger mark in Balasore district, the district administration today claimed that the flood situation has improved as the water level of both the rivers has started receding.

By 12 PM today, water level of Subararekha was flowing at a height of 11.32 metres at Rajghat as against the danger level of 10.36 metres while the floodwater of Jalaka river was flowing at a height of 6.25 metres at Mathani against the danger level of 5.5 metres.

Due to high floods in these two rivers, 27 villages in the low lying areas of Baliapal block and four villages of Bhogarai block have been marooned.

Reports said the people of Rasalpur village of Baliapal block are in a state of panic as the floodwaters have entered the village after crossing the embankment.

Road communication between Baliapal and Basta has been disrupted due to overflowing of floodwaters at a height of about 3 feet at Pejagala.

Apart from Baliapal and Bhogarai, floodwaters have also entered the low lying areas in Basta and Jaleswar blocks.

Meanwhile, the district administration is ready to tackle any eventuality.

Talking to media persons today, Deputy Special Relief Commissioner Prabhat Mohapatra said the water level of Subarnarekha and Jalaka will gradually recede as there is no substantial rainfall in the upper catchments since last night.

Asked about the steps taken by the district administration, collector Pramod Das said the BDO, Tehsildar and senior officers of these four blocks have been asked to remain on high alert. “We have the power boats ready for rescue and relief operations. Besides, people are also cooperating with the district administration. “I hope there will be no problem as the floodwaters are expected to start receding from today,” he added.

Rajkishore Ghadai, executive engineer, Irrigation, said present velocity of floodwater will slow down further as the water level of both the rivers has started receding and is expected to flow below the danger mark by this evening.