Rourkela: Incessant rain of last two days in this city coupled with heavy downpour at the upstream of rivers Brahmani, Koel and Shankha has triggered a flood situation in Sundargarh district with the water levels remaining over danger marks in these three rivers.
Meanwhile, the district administration Monday held an emergency meeting to face the situation.
The water level in Brahmani till Monday afternoon was recorded at 176.84 metre against the danger level of 177.51 metre. The height of water is expected to rise in night after opening of the two gates of Mandira dam.
While the administration has kept a close eye on the situation in Kuanrmunda, Lathikata, Nuagaon and Bishra blocks of Panposh sub-division, it is feared that water may surge into Suidihi, Bolani, Jhartarang, Jhirpani, Jamsera, Sarubahal, Dalki, Kulmentra, Besalbadi, Salangabahal, Majhapada and Ankupali areas of these blocks. Panposh sub-collector Himanshu Behera has asked the BDOs and tehsildars of four blocks to remain alert.
Similarly, another high-level meeting was held at the RMC conference hall Monday to face flood situation in low lying regions of the Steel City. Apart from ADM Manisha Banerjee, Panposh sub-collector Behera, RMC commissioner Akhay Kumar Mallik, deputy commissioner Sushama Bilung, Rourkela tehsildar Biswaranjan Rath, officials of ODRAF team and other officials were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, the administration has identified 10 areas feared to be affected by flood while a decision has been taken to shift people of five areas to safer places. They are Panposh slum, Balughat, Luakera, Hamirpur and Tumkela.
People of Balughat would be put up at Bidyut Colony School while residents of Panposh slum would be shifted to Panposh High School. People living in Hamirpur and Tumkela slum would be housed at Ispat College of Sector-16. Adequate dry foods have been kept in advance for the people at these centres, it was learnt.
On the other hand, a 24X7 control room (telephone no -250038) have been opened and a monitoring team has been formed to handle the situation.
The fire brigade personnel as well as ODRAF team have been put on alert to operate during night in case of flood while the officials of revenue department and RMC have been asked to remain prepared for flood situation, it was learnt. PNN
