Malkangiri/Balasore: Situation in Malkangiri and other districts continue to remain grim after experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms under the impact of cyclonic storm ‘Daye’ two days ago.
While communication to places including Kalimela, Padia, Motu, Balimela, MV-11, MV-37 and Korkanda have been cut-off, acres of farmland still remain submerged in flood water due to a 50-feet breach in Satiguda canal in Malkangiri.
Sources said National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in different areas of districts for relief and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the incessant rains have also resulted in the rise in water level of different rivers flowing through Balasore district.
Reportedly, two gates each of Sunei Dam and Kala Dam have been opened as water level in Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers is flowing above the danger mark.
While Budhabalanga River is currently flowing at 8.18 metres near Baruni Bridge against the danger mark of 8.13 metres, Jalaka River is flowing at 6.51 metres near Mathani as compared to the danger mark of 5.80 metres.
As per reports, around 7,000 cusec of flood water per second is being released from the Sunei Dam which has resulted in inundation of low lying areas of the district.
Many panchayats including Mathani, Baharda, Dadhahansa, Gadapaeda, Barunagadia, Chakurai, Darada of Basta block have been severely affected. Similarly, Srirampur and Rasulpur panchayats in Sadar block have been affected due to the rise is river levels.
Road communication was completely disrupted at Pejagala Chatana, which is stated to be the lifeline between Basta-Baliapala, due to the flood waters.
Meanwhile, the district administration has taken adequate steps to curb out the situation. Hundreds of people residing in low lying areas of the district have been evacuated to safer places, informed Balasore district collector.
On the other hand, Baitarani River has also crossed the danger mark (17.83m) at Akhuapada in Bhadrak with the current water level at 18.02 metres.