Boudh/ Bolangir/Kalahandi/Phulbani: Relentless rainfall over the last two days has triggered a flood-like situation hitting normal life in several western parts of Odisha including Boudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts.
According to reports, several villages like Deogaon, Kamaghat and Gambaripadar in Boudh district were marooned after flood water from Tel river and Khadanga river swelled and inundated the areas. Road links between Rubaliguda and Kantamal was also snapped as around 5 feet water was flowing over National Highway-41.
Likewise, road communication to seven Gram Panchayats in Kantamal block of the district - Kulutajore, Ghantapada, Uma, Khuntigora, Baragaon, Khamanmunda and Ambagaon – has also been severely disrupted due to heavy waterlogging.
In Bolangir district too, several roads and bridges were submerged after floodwater from Khadanga River entered residential areas in Dharuapada and Tilakamala villages under Gudbhela Block of the district.
A woman identified as Ranimati Singh (70) was killed while her sister-in-law Jashobanti Singh was severely injured in a rain related mishap. Sources said that the mishap took place when a portion of wall of their kitchen room collapsed on them while they were preparing food yesterday.
Incessant rainfall also hit normal life in Baliguda area of Kandhamal district. Temporary culvert at on NH 59 near Bataguda was washed away by floodwater leading to disruption in communication between Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts.
In view of any untoward incident during the inclement weather, the district authorities of Kalahandi, Nuapada and Bargarh have ordered the closure of educational institutions in the respective regions.
On the other hand, water level in several rivers and reservoirs of the State including Hirakud Dam is also increasing due to incessant rain.
Hirakud Dam authorities informed that the present water level at reservoir is 615.54 feet and quantum of floodwater inflow into the reservoir stands at 80,491 cubic feet per second while water outflow is 18,519 cubic feet per second. The Dam officials are slated to release the flood water tomorrow. They have also advised people living on the low lying areas not to go to Mahanadi river.