Floods loom large over south Odisha

Though there was no major damage In Odisha due the cyclone Hudhud on Sunday, threat of flood loomed large in south Odisha districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal with major rivers in spate following incessant rains under the influence of the storm. The south Odisha districts are likely to witness heavy downpour over the next 48 hours as per the predictions by met department. This has raised the prospect of flooding of some major rivers and consequent damage to people living in the low lying areas.While the water level of river Bansadhara is flowing near its danger mark at Kasinagar in Gajapati district, water level in other rivers like Rushikulya is rising at Sorada, Purushottampur and Aska in Ganjam district. The Bansadhara is flowing at 54.10 meters as against its danger mark of 54.60 meters at Kasinagar, sources said. The administration in all south Odisha districts are bracing up to face the flood situation. "We have identified some flood-prone areas to evacuate the people, if the flood situation arises", said Ganjam district collector Prem Chandra Chaudhary. The NDRF and fire services personnel were deployed in the flood prone areas to evacuate and rescue people, he said

"We are monitoring the water level of different rivers time to time to take precautionary measures to combat flood situation, if it arises" Chaudhary said. The executive engineers were alerted to prepare to meet any eventuality, in case of floods. There was no damage reported from anywhere due to cyclone Hudhud and rains in Ganjam district, he added.

Gajapati collector, Mansi Nimbhal said, "The rain is continuing in the district since morning. But at present there is no flood situation in the Bansadhara. We have already evacuated the people from the vulnerable areas near Kasinagar".

The by-poll bound Kandhamal district also received heavy rainfall under the influence of the cyclone. "Heavy rains lashed the district, but there is no damage report from anywhere in the district", said Kandhamal collector N.Thirumala Naik. On an average 65 mm rainfall was recorded in Daringibadi, Raikia and Chakapada blocks.