Aska/Bhanjanagar: Parts of Aska and Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district are reeling under a severe deluge and resembled a water world following incessant rain under the influence of cyclonic storm Titli.
The towns were submerged under 10-15 feet of water with overflowing drains and inundated roads in almost all the low-lying areas of the towns.
Badanadi and Rushikulya rivers that pass through the sugar town of Aska wreaked havoc in most of the region. The entire town went under water in a span of 12 hours. The sight was a throwback to Kerala as people perched on roofs and cramped up in the upper floors of buildings to protect themselves from the deluge.
Storm water entered houses and vehicles were submerged in water. Traffic movement came to a grinding halt in several areas with connecting roads and lanes under knee-deep water.
People were seen taking shelter on the first floor. Shops, schools and business establishments remained closed for the third day Saturday. While everyone was prepared for the cyclonic storm, no steps were taken to tackle floods that were to follow.
Meanwhile, authorities in charge of reservoirs and irrigation canals failed to open gates on time for discharge of rainwater which has spread resentment among the locals.
“It might take a couple of days for the water to recede and the situation to become normal,” a local said.
Similarly, Chikiti block in Ganjam district has also been marooned by flood waters of Bahuda and Bogi rivers. Many villages under the block are under three feet water and in darkness. Power supply, that was snapped October 10, is yet to be restored.
While the administration made necessary arrangements for food, drinking water was not available. Most of the villagers stocked food and other essential commodities, but few thought of stocking up on drinking water as they did not expect such severe flooding,” a local said.
Meanwhile, the administration continued efforts to rescue people from marooned places and provide cooked food while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself took stock of the situation.