At least three Odisha districts are expected to face moderate to heavy flood Sunday as the water levels in three major rivers are on the rise due to heavy rainfall in their upper catchment areas.
Officials in the state’s water resources department said three major rivers– Subarnarekha, Jalaka and Baitarani– are on spate and flowing above the danger level at several places. The low-lying areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore are likely to be affected due to the flood situation.
“The three district collectors have been alerted to expedite evacuation and relief operations as and where required to handle the local flood situation. The state flood cell in the state water resources department is functioning round the clock and the situation is being closely monitored,” engineer-in-chief of water resources department Chandrasekhar Padhi said.
The water resources department further clarified that there is no flood situation in Maharandi or any other river basins despite heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
The state government has deputed two senior engineers from the headquarters in Subarnarekha and Baitarani basins to supervise the flood management in the two river basins. Chief engineers and river basin manager of major rivers are also monitoring the flood situation at the ground in coordination with the district administrations, said officials.
The state government has asked field staff to ensure 24×7 patrolling of vulnerable river embankments with support of local police and water resources department engineers.
The district administrations have also started preparations keeping the flood situation in mind. Bhadrak district collector Dilip Routrai said they expect a moderate to high-flood in the Baitarani River system and are preparing for the situation.
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“We are making announcements to inform people about the flood situation and to remain vigilant. It has been decided to evacuate people from low-lying areas to schools and flood shelters. We have decided to deploy the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams to help in taking people to safety,” Routrai said.
Officials said rescue teams from ODRAF, NDRF and fire services have been mobilized in low lying areas of Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur and parts of Kendrapara to help the administration in evacuation efforts.
