Flood threat looms large in Odisha, Collectors of 3 districts put on alert

Bhubaneswar: In view of the heavy rain forecast in the next 24 hours, Odisha Government on Monday asked collectors of three districts—Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Jajpur to remain alert to tackle any possible emergency.

The precautionary measure has been taken to minimize the loss of life and property in case of a ‘possible flood’ in view of the rising water level of Baitarani, Subarnarekha and Budhabalang following heavy rainfall in most parts of the state in the last couple of days.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the flood situation and directed three district collectors to closely monitor and take appropriate measures to deal with the situation.

Odisha is to experience heavy rainfall as the low pressure area has become a 'well marked low pressure area' over the Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand today.

Under its influence, rain and thundershowers are likely to occur in most places in Odisha in the next 24 hours, the Meteorological centre here said.

Heavy rainfall is expected in one or two places in Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Maurbhanj and Balasore districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall in one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Baragarh districts in the next 24 hours, it said.

“CM Naveen Patnaik had reviewed the situation and directed all the departments to remain alert and initiate action as and when required. Three district collectors have been asked to monitor water levels of major rivers in their respective districts,” said Special Relief Commission Bishnupad Sethi.

Sethi further said that nearly 60 multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters have been kept ready and people in low-lying areas would be shifted if needed.

The water level of Baitarani river at Akhuapada in Bhadrak was 18.06 meters at 3pm against the danger level mark of 17.83 metre.

However, as the river embankments have been strengthened, our engineers in water resources department have assured us that there is no fear of flood even as the water level of Baitarani touched 18.06 meters at Akhuapada.

One team of ODRAF personnel and dry food items have been dispatched to two northern districts in view of a possible flood-like situation to Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts.

School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra held discussion with the Keonjhar district administration earlier in the day.