Odisha flood crisis deepens as 1.65 lakh moved, Mahanadi fears rise
Odisha remained on high alert on Thursday as the flood situation stayed grim in four northern districts, while rising water levels in the Mahanadi raised
Odisha remained on high alert on Thursday as the flood situation stayed grim in four northern districts, while rising water levels in the Mahanadi raised fears of a medium flood in downstream areas, officials said. More than 1.65 lakh people have been moved to safer places so far, and over six lakh people have been affected by the floods. Authorities have also ordered the closure of schools and anganwadi centres in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts in view of the India Meteorological Department's rainfall forecast and the flood situation. Read Full Story Rescue operations have been intensified as several villages in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj were inundated after incessant rain under the influence of a deep depression. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that although water levels in some rivers in north Odisha were receding, they were still flowing above the danger mark and fresh areas were inundated overnight.
"The administration is on high alert and leave of all officials in the flood-affected districts has been cancelled," he said. In Jajpur district, Collector Ambar Kumar Kar said the situation worsened after two breaches developed in the embankment of the Kani river, a tributary of the Baitarani, near Patana under Dasarathapur block on Wednesday night. Officials said the breaches marooned several villages and inundated fresh areas, severely affecting people in three blocks. At the same time, the swelling Mahanadi has emerged as a major concern, with authorities alerting districts along the river basin after heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. "The situation has intensified as floodwaters from the Tel, Ib and Jira rivers are adding to the Mahanadi's flow, leading to a further rise in the water level," an official said.
The water level at Hirakud Dam stood at 620 feet against its full reservoir level of 630 feet. The reservoir was receiving an inflow of 3,31,063 cusecs, while 64,109 cusecs were being released downstream through two gates. Officials said more gates may have to be opened if the water level continues to rise. Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said around eight lakh cusecs of water was flowing through Mundali near Cuttack at 6 am on Thursday, and the discharge could rise to nine lakh cusecs by evening, resulting in a medium flood in the Mahanadi system. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is in Delhi, said in a social media post on Wednesday night that he had directed all district collectors to remain on high alert and ensure timely assistance to all affected people.
The BriefWire