Balasore: Leaving Jalaka in Balasore district, all the rivers in the state are flowing below the danger level and flood situation is under control, said the Chief Engineer of Odisha Water Resources Department, Jyotirmay Rath on Wednesday.
Allaying fears of flood in the near future, Rath said that though 12 gates were opened to discharge floodwater from Hirakud dam, scanty rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi in last 24 hours has forced the dam authorities to close the gates in a phased manner.
“The only river that possesses some threat to people living nearby is the Jalaka River that has swelled resulting in flash floods in some areas,” said Rath.
“There are reports of rain in the upper catchment areas of Ib River and Brahmani River, but the administration is ready to tackle any situation arising out of it.”
As far as concerns over weakened river embankments are concerned, Rath said, “As many as 48 embankments in the state have been marked as weak. However, government is ready to tackle any exigencies that may arise in view of rainfall.”
According to Rath, Jalaka River is flowing above danger mark in Balasore and at Mathani, where water level has touched 5.7 Metres against the danger mark of 5.5 Metres.
Meanwhile, both Malkangiri and Kendrapara districts are reeling under heavy rainfall. Malkangiri has been receiving precipitation for the last five days with flood-like situation in several parts of the district. Though rainfall has decreased in Malkangiri, the low-lying areas of the district continue to remain waterlogged. The Kankarkonda bridge that was deemed fit for commute on Tuesday after being submerged under water for four days, was flooded today again snapping communication link between Malkangiri and Kalimela.
Many areas in the district of Kendrapara are also facing waterlogging and flood-like situation following incessant rain.
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)
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