Cyclone 'DAYE' causes flood-like situation in several parts of Odisha

Malkangiri/Balasore/Jeypore: As the cyclonic storm 'DAYE' crosses Odisha triggering heavy downpour in most parts, water level has increased in major rivers of Malkangiri, Balasore and Koraput districts due to incessant rain.

According to sources, road communication has been disrupted at different places in Malkangiri district as water is flowing above road.

Similarly, vehicular traffic between Malkangiri and Balimela has been affected as road at MV-11, Korukonda and MV-37 are inundated.

On the other hand, bridges at Kangurukonda and Potteru were submerged following which vehicular traffic was affected between Malkangiri and Motu.

Road communication between Malkangiri and Chhattisgarh was also affected as Challanguda bridge was submerged.

Water level of Balimela reservoir has increased to 15,015 feet whereas its water retaining capacity is 15,018 feet. Therefore, authorities of the reservoir will open two gates at 11 am. Sources said after reviewing the situation a decision will be taken on whether more gates will be opened.

Meanwhile, patients at the Janabai health centre faced hardship as water entered into the hospital.

On the other hand, CM Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned gratuitous relief for seven days at Rs 60 per day per person and Rs 45/day for children below 12 years in the affected Malkangiri district and directed the district administration to reach out to affected and extend all assistance.

To tackle the situation, the district administration has deployed ODRAF teams in the affected areas and opened a control room.

Reportedly, maximum rainfall of 403 meters has been recorded in Korakunda whereas 265.4 metres downpour was recorded in Malkangiri town.

Following incessant rain Jalaka river was flowing at 6.10 metre today morning near Mathani in Jaeswar of Balasore district where the danger mark is 5.50 metre.

Due to the cyclonic storm 'DAYE' the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rains in Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak districts. Rain has been continuing in these districts since midnight of Wednesday, sources said.

Authorities of Kolab dam in Koraput have opened two gates of reservoir following heavy rain on upper catchment areas.

Meanwhile, cyclone 'DAYE' is lay centred in east-south direction, 65 km away from Titlagarh, causing heavy downpour in southern and interior parts of the State.

In the next 12 hours, intensity of the cyclonic storm will slow down, predicted the Met department.