Post News Network
Dhamnagar/Simulia, July 31: The flood situation in most parts of Bhadrak district has improved with water level in river Baitarani receding, but many villages in three panchayats under Dhamnagar block still remain cut off.
Reports said floodwaters flow 1 ft above the Bhadrak-Akhandalamani road at Kothar. Vehicular movement on this road has become normal despite floodwaters running over it.
However, many places have started witnessing water-logging. Patrasahi-Khipasahi road is completely submerged under floodwaters while Banka Sahi has remained marooned. About 60 families were surrounded by water for the last three days and no help has reached them as yet.
Scores of villages of Kasimpur, Bamkura and Raipur panchayats have remained marooned while floodwaters flow 5 ft above the road leading to Kasimpur panchayat. Villagers of Sethisahi and Bandhsahi of Bamkura panchayat have remained confined to their houses and are awaiting relief material. Besides, large tracts of farmlands are now under floodwaters in this district.
Bhadrak administration has reported paddy cultivation over 12,437 hectare in 195 villages under four blocks were affected by floods. It has submitted a report to the government.
Meanwhile, reports from Baliapal of Balasore district said water level in river Subarnarekha has further receded, but sufferings of the flood-affected people have multiplied. People are lodged in temporary shelters while floodwaters remain stagnant in their houses. Roads in Bishnupur, Ikadapal, Jamkunda, Talapada, Kudmansingh, Manunagar, Jhaljhalia, Palapada, Nihira, Choumukh, Manunagar, Bolang, Kunduli, Badhapal and Sardar Sahi have been washed away.
A big breach was created on Choudhurykud-Pancharukhi road. Paddy and vegetables crops were damaged. Locals alleged domestic animals have remained starved for lack of fodder. Locals demanded immediate assessment of damages to the farm sector and houses.
People of Simulia in Balasore said flood situation slightly subsided in many areas as water level in Kansabansa, Baragadia and its distributaries are flowing below the danger mark. However, low-lying areas in this block are waterlogged. But, no major damage to farm sector was reported.
Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central) Bikash Chandra Mohapatra Friday visited several flood-hit areas in Balasore and later reviewed the relief and rescue work at the collectorate.