Water level swells in major rivers across Odisha

Boudh: Villagers living alongside Mahanadi, Devi, Baitarani and Tel Rivers are in a state of panic as water level in these rivers has risen following torrential rain.

As per reports, a bridge was washed away in Chandigada village under Boudh block after sudden inflow of flood water; as such the village has been cut-off from rest parts of the State.

As water is flowing five feet above a diversion road near Ranipathar on Boudh-Kandhamal road, vehicular movement on the route has been affected while hundreds of commuters are stranded on both sides of the road.

Similarly, incessant rain has submerged nearby villages as flood water has gushed into Laksmi nullah. "Due to the flood, our house has been damaged. We are living in a pitiable condition," said Sumitra, a Boudh resident.

Echoing similar views, another resident of Boudh, Sabita said, "With knee-deep water in our house since past five days, the situation is grim. The government is yet to distribute relief in our village."

In Boudh, 380 mm of rainfall has been recorded in past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, water level is rising in Hirakud dam as large amount of flood water has entered the reservoir following rain in upper catchment areas.

As per reports, 1.77 lakh cusecs water per second is entering the Hirakud dam at present. While the dam has a capacity of 630 feet, the water level was at 615.43 feet by 8 am today.

Karun Nayak, a local from Tikarpada in Angul said, “We are very scared. Our houses have been destroyed and we do not know what will happen after the sluice gates are opened.”

Sources said water level in Mahanadi River is expected to rise further as flood water from the dam will be released tomorrow.

Meanwhile the state government has asked villages in low lying areas to stay alert. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a review meeting today, directed government functionaries and district administration to be prepared for a possible flood situation.