Flood threat looms large over North-Coastal Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: With the upper catchment areas of river Baitarani and Subarnarekha receiving heavy rains during the last 24 hours due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government today put at least six coastal and northern districts on alert.

"We are expecting a flood in the Baitarani and Subarnarekha river systems and therefore, alerted the districts to remain prepared for the eventuality," said Water Resource Department Secretary P K Jena, while a report received from the Mayurbhanj district said waters of Budhabalang river entered into the Baripada Municipality area affecting about 500 people.

"We have shifted the people to safer places and distributed food materials among them," said Mayurbhanj District Collector R P Patil adding, the heavy rainfall on Similipal hills caused flash floods in Baripada.

The state government has asked the district collectors of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kendrapara to remain prepared with essential items including food and boats for the possible floods.

"Keeping the possible situation in view, the district administrations of Keonjhar, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore and Mayurbhanj have already geared up preparations," Deputy Special Relief Commissioner (DSRC) Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra told PTI.

Stating that the depression induced heavy rainfall led to rise in the water levels in river Subarnarekha and Baitarani, the DSRC said floods were expected if there were more rains in a day or two.