Flood threat in N Odisha dists as 3 rivers swell

Bhubaneswar/Balasore: Govt is closely monitoring the situation after Subarnarekha, Jalaka and Baitarani rivers swelled following incessant rainfall in their upper catchment areas in Jharkhand and Odisha's Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, giving rise to flood threat."The state flood cell in the department of water resources is functioning 24x7, and the situation is being closely monitored. Collectors of Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore have been alerted to expedite evacuation and relief operations as and where required to handle the local flood situation," read an official statement.Two engineers-in-chief have been deputed from Bhubaneswar to Subarnarekha and Baitarani basins to supervise flood management, official sources said. Meanwhile, 20 gates of Hirakud reservoir and three gates of Rengali dam have been opened to release excess water. Official sources said the water level in Subarnarekha was 50.64 metres at Jamsholaghat (rising trend) in Mayurbhanj district on Saturday evening compared to the danger level of 49.16m. Similarly, the water level at Rajghat in Balasore district was 7.86m (rising trend) compared to the danger level of 10.36m."In this backdrop, peak flood is expected in the Subarnarekha river by 11pm on Sunday, and the water level may rise up to 11.7 metres in the river," read an official statement from the water resources department.Rise in Subarnarekha's water level was due to the discharge of floodwaters from Galudih barrage in Jharkhand, following heavy rainfall. Authorities opened 15 gates to release 7,904.03 cusecs of water, which was expected to reach Odisha by Sunday, heightening the fear and anxiety among residents of low-lying villages in Bhograi, Baliapal and Jaleswar blocks.On the other hand, floodwaters from the Jalaka river have inundated several villages under Basta block. The road connecting Basta and Baliapal was submerged, with over 3ft of water flowing over, cutting off access to multiple areas. Jalaka was flowing above its danger level of 6.5m at Mathani in Balasore district on Saturday."All leaves of govt officials have been cancelled, and no officer is allowed to leave their headquarters. Officials have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure continuous field monitoring. Ground staff have been deployed to vulnerable locations to assess preparedness and assist residents," said Balasore collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas.He said that villagers living in kutcha houses and low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate and shift to safer locations. "We have already shifted some people from low-lying areas in Basta block and are prepared to evacuate more to nearby cyclone shelters if necessary. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and fire service teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas with adequate boats for rescue operations," he added.Water level of the Baitarani river was also on the rise on Saturday due to very heavy rainfall in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts. Low-lying areas of Jajpur and Bhadrak districts are also likely to be affected.Till Saturday evening, Baitarani was flowing at 39.16m at Anandapur in Keonjhar district against its danger level of 38.36m. Similarly, the water level at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district was 18.18m (rising) against its danger level of 18.33m. The river may rise up to 19.1m at Akhuapada by early Sunday, official sources said.