Flood threat looms large as Baitarani River embankment caves in

Bhadrak: Panic gripped the villagers of Sathibankuda under Chandbali block in the district after a major portion of Baitarani River embankment collapsed late on Friday night.

According to reports, the embankment which protects 10 villages of four panchayats including Olaga, Sundarpur, Nandapur and Aradi of the district developed a crack in the evening yesterday.

Later the structure collapsed more than 200 feet in length by late night triggering flood concerns among the locals of the low-lying areas.

#WATCH: Baitarini River embankment collapses at Sathibankuda village under Chandbali block in #Bhadrak district #Odisha pic.twitter.com/ErWSA2yQsS

— OTV (@otvnews) October 6, 2018

Locals rued that even as solid stone packing was carried out on the embankment to prevent its erosion, sub-standard quality of work has resulted in the collapse of the structure.

“This has become a regular issue. The concerned officials come here and review the situation every year but nothing tangible has been done yet. We do not know whether the administration or the contractor is responsible for the mishap,” alleged a local resident, Rabindra Mahakud.