Bhubaneswar: Torrential rain under the impact of a deep depression that crossed Andhra Pradesh coast close to Kakinada today morning continues to pound southern Odisha districts leading to inundation in several parts.
Reports said that heavy rainfall has created flood-like situation in various panchayats of Ganjam district. Five villages under Ankuli and Buratal Gram Panchayats in Patrapur block of the district have been marooned following floodwater from Baghalati Irrigation Project.
Due to rise in water level in the reservoir, the administration has opened two gates of the dam. About 200 cusec of water is being released from the reservoir. Sources informed that local residents in the region were already informed about taking precautions.
Executive engineer in-charge of the project has said that more gates might also be opened if it becomes necessary to release excess water from the dam.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department in its latest bulletin has issued heavy rainfall warning for isolated places over the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Khordha, Puri, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Kandhamal till October 14.
The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershower at most places over the districts of south coastal Odisha at many places over the districts of south interior Odisha and at a few places over the districts of north Odisha.
The deep depression system is likely to move west-northwestwards and weaken into a Depression during the next 6 hours and further weaken into a well-marked low-pressure during the subsequent 12 hours.
Incessant rainfall in the wake of the system has hit life in Gajapati district with Mohana block recording the highest 142 mm of rain in the last 24 hours.
Over 500 people of 4 blocks in Gajapati district have been shifted to relief camps after heavy downpour since last night.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena also advised all the district officials to remain alert to deal with any exigency, particularly water-logging in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions.