Odisha: Situation tense in flood-struck Jajpur

Even as the district of Sundergarh returned to normalcy after the water level in the Brahmani, Koel and Ib rivers receded there, flood situation is continuing in the districts in the downstream.

In Jajpur district, River Brahmani is flowing at 68.20 feet near Jenapur against the danger level of 67 feet.

A major breach of about 150 feet occurred yesterday afternoon on the Brahmani left embankment at Kimbhiriapal under Bari Block of Jajpur district affecting 16 villages under 4 GPs of the Bari Block and 18 villages under 4 GPs of the Jajpur Block.

Massive evacuation of people from the affected areas has been taken up by the district administration.

Three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and two fire service teams have been pressed into service for rescue and evacuation. Five power boats are engaged in the rescue services and the operation is in progress.

Two more ODRAF teams and more Fire Service teams were also rushed to the spot.

Sufficient inflatable tower lights are being organised for illuminating the affected sites and shelters, where required.

The operation is being monitored by the Collector, Jajpur and other senior officers of the districts.

There are seven multipurpose flood shelters of 2000 persons capacity each in Bari Block and five more similar shelters in Jajpur Block constructed by the Government of Odisha to house the people during flood and cyclone.

The evacuated persons are being shifted to these flood shelters as well as to schools and other public buildings.

Dry food and free kitchen are being organised for them.

18 villages of Kaniha block of Angul district and five villages of Bhuban and Gondia Block of Dhenkanal district have also been affected by the flood in River Brahmani.