Baripada: Flood condition has worsened across Mayurbhanj district following incessant rain triggered by a low-pressure system, with all 18 blocks and Baripada municipality affected, officials said. Rising water levels in the Budhabalanga, Gangahar and Subarnarekha rivers have heightened concerns in several areas.
The Budhabalanga crossed the danger mark at Madhuban in Baripada around 10am Tuesday, inundating low-lying areas. Floodwater is flowing over the Nakhara bridge on the Manatri-Baisinga road, while waterlogging at Belapal and Ghusuria has severed road communication between Bada sahi and Betanati. Hundreds of residents in Wards 7, 8 and 9 of Baripada town have been left stranded by rising water. The rising level of the Subarnarekha has also increased the flood threat in Rasagobindapur and Saraskana areas.
Although the Budhabalanga level fell slightly Tuesday morning, three gates of the Haldia dam have been opened, releasing an estimated 800 to 1,000 hectometres of water. Authorities warned that this could lead to a fresh rise in water levels in downstream areas. The district administration has stepped up relief and rescue measures. Two ODRAF teams have been deployed in Bada sahi, Betanati, Saraskana and Baripada, while 13 firefighting teams have been deployed across the district. Eleven free cooked-food centres are providing shelter and meals to 2,076 displaced people. Dry food, bottled drinking water and 33 rolls of polythene have also been distributed among affected residents. Two medical teams and a mobile veterinary unit have been deployed in the affected areas. In view of the deteriorating situation, authorities have advised residents of river bank and low-lying areas to move to temporary shelters and remain alert.
The district administration has also suspended classroom teaching Tuesday in all government, aided and private schools in Badasahi, Betanati, Bisoi and Kuliana blocks. However, headmasters and teaching staff have been directed to remain present at their schools, which may be used as temporary flood shelters if required. In Badasahi block, headmasters of 38 designated schools have been instructed to remain on high alert. Nodal officers have also been assigned to different panchayats to monitor relief, rehabilitation and drinking-water arrangements. By the time of filing, water levels in Baripada were receding, while flooding continued to intensify in some low-lying areas.
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