Fears of another flood haunt north Balasore

Bhograi: Even as many parts of Basta and Sadar blocks in Barasore are already reeling from floods in the Jalaka river, heavy rains which have been lashing the upstream area of Subarnarekha river in Jharkhand owing to a cyclonic circulation has triggered panic among people in north Balasore.

The administration has, meanwhile, sounded possibility of floods in the downstream areas. Reports said, Chandili, Galudihi, Karkai and Bankabal dams have been receiving huge amounts of water for the last few days.

Jharkhand has started releasing the water from these dams, which will lead to floods in Subarnarekha river basin areas in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts. From July till date, Balasore has witnessed three major floods from Subarnarekha.

Most parts of Balasore have been waterlogged amid heavy rains. On the other hand, most parts of Bhograi, Jaleswar, Baliapal and Basta blocks are reeling from floods from Jalaka river.

Thousands of people in 20 panchayats under Bhograi and 20 villages in five panchayats under Baliapal block were marooned. Due to cyclonic circulation over Myanmar and Bangladesh coasts, heavy rains are predicted in the Gangetic plains.

In view of this, the administration has warned people against flood situation. The administration and irrigation department officials have kept a close watch on weak points on various river embankments.

Over a lakh of people were marooned in Mathani, Bahardha, Dudhahansa, Sadanandapur, Baruna Gadia, Basichakuri, Darada, Gadapada, Rautapada Srirampur and Rasulpur. Rescue operation is being carried out in the flood-hit areas.

PNN