Odisha seeks choppers as flash flood situation in Kalyansinghpur remains grim

Bhubaneswar: Even as the flash flood situation in Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada district remains grim, Odisha Government on Sunday urged Centre to provide four helicopters to intensify relief and rescue operations.

However, the situation is being closely monitored by senior officials and ODRAF, CRPF and fire services units have been rushed in to expedite rescue operations, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Patnaik after reviewing the situation at an emergency meeting held at Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office said that the heavy rains that lashed several parts of Odisha in the past 24 hours triggered flash floods in Nagavali and Kalyani rivers.

The district has received nearly 189.88 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

Due to the flash floods in both the rivers, over 70 percent area of Kalyansinghpur has been submerged in floodwaters while Rayagada collector has been asked to supervise the relief and rescue operation.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Floods In Kalyansinghpur

The choppers of the Indian Air Force will be used to intensify rescue and relief operation in Kalyansinghpur block where people are trapped on roof tops as their houses had been submerged by the flood water of both the rivers.

According to official sources, at least 14 persons who were either trapped or stranded on rooftops were rescued by teams today.

“State control room in SRC office is tracking the situation closely while Indian Army representatives and Indian Air Force Helicopter is being mobilized and district collector is in charge of the situation,” said Patnaik.

Patnaik further informed that no effort will be spared to ensure safety of people.

SRC Bishnupad Sethi informed that keeping in view the met department forecast of heavy rainfall in Southern Odisha, we had already alerted administrative officials in advance.

Also Read: Heavy Rainfall Forecast For Odisha, Collectors Asked To Remain Alert: SRC

Due to flash floods in two rivers in Rayagada district, several areas have been cut-off and people taken shelter on rooftops as per the preliminary reports received this morning.

“Two bridges have been washed away leading to disruption of communication. Hence, we have requested for deployment of four helicopters of Indian Air Force for air dropping of relief materials in the district,” said Sethi.

The SRC office further informed 12 villages of Kalyansinghpur and Rayagada are affected due to the flash flood. Besides rail track in between Therubali and Singapur stations is washed away by the flood water.

Around 2,000 food packets have been kept ready for airdrop in flood-hit areas. Apart from this, cooked food has been provided to 1,300 affected people, the SRC office stated adding that the Rayagada Collector has been directed to provide cooked food for next seven days to the flood-victims.

The SRC office also asked the NDRF Commandant to provide three units to help in the rescue and relief operations.

Keeping in view the flood situation, Odisha government has ordered for closure of all schools for the next three to four days while hostels of residential and ashram schools would remain open for students staying there.

Sources said water level of Nagavali river which caused havoc in the district after incessant rainfall is declining gradually.