Bhubaneswar: With heavy rain lashing twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar along with most parts of Odisha for the past 24 hours, flood-like situation and widespread waterlogging has brought life to a standstill putting the civic body authorities on their toes.
Capital city Bhubaneswar, which recorded 180 mm of rain in last 24 hours, continues to grapple with waterlogging in Acharya Vihar, Nayapalli, Jaydev Vihar, Patia and Sailashree Vihar and several other areas flooding houses and streets. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities have geared up to tackle the situation by appointing as many as 13 nodal officers and 40 engineers to clear waterlogging.
Over 30 pumps, 5 JCBs, 2 Poclains, 5 cesspool machines and other heavy equipment have been engaged for clearing rainwater and rescue operations.
Similarly in Cuttack, several areas like Pithapur, Sutahat, Roxy Lane, Badambadi, Tulasipur, Deula Sahi, Kanika Chhak, Shelter Chhak, Rajabagicha and Dolamundai are reeling under the deluge due to heavy rainfall. As many as 200 motor pumps have been engaged by Cuttack Municipal Corporation authorities to flush out rainwater from low lying areas.
CMC Commissioner Bikash Mohapatra informed that as many 7,000 residents stranded in water have been provided cooked meals while 9,000 more people will be given cooked food.
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The twin city administration has issued toll free helpline numbers— 18003450061, 0674-2548295 and has launched a 24-hour control room.
Moreover, weekly holidays of the officials have been cancelled and they have been directed to assist in rescue and relief operations.
Meanwhile, citing that the well marked low pressure system over the north-west Bay of Bengal has turned into a depression, the meteorological department said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in coastal areas of the state in next 48 hours. Fishermen have been barred from venturing into sea.
On the other hand, convening an urgent meeting today, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the flood situation at the Secretariat and directed officials of all the departments to stay alert to meet any exigency.
Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said 317 fire units and 20 ODRAF teams have been deployed in the rescue operations. Even though the water level has been increasing in several rivers of the state, it is yet to cross the danger marks. Similarly, so far no casualties have been reported due to flooding while two persons died in a wall collapse incident in Kalyansinghpur, said Sethi.
Also Read: Heavy rain brings Odisha to halt; Normal life hit in Twin City
Health Minister Pratap Jena has also assured that special teams of doctors have been deployed at flood-affected areas.
"State and district level Health camps will be organised in such areas and ORS, Halogen and anti-venoms have been stocked up. A 24-hour control room has been opened to keep a tab on the situation," Jena said
Anyone stranded or stuck in waterlogged areas can also contact OTV HELPLINE WhatsApp No- 9938223312.