Sambalpur: A day after 46 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened to release excess rainwater from it many parts of this city were flooded with water Sunday. The situation deteriorated with also the Mahanadi also in spate.
The flood situation has become grim in low-lying areas of the city. Evacuation is under way and residents are being shifted to safer places. About 14 flood shelters were opened at different places in the city and over 1,800 persons were accommodated.
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The localities of Mandalia, Charabhati, Binakhandi, Govindatola, Durgapali, Khanduala, Limasarien, Kamlibazar, Badabazar and Chandannagar are completely submerged. Floodwater is being pumped out from the affected areas.
Residents who have been shifted to safe places are being provided with both dry and cooked foods. Several kutcha houses in the low-lying areas have been severely damaged. Sambalpur district Collector Shubham Saxena has ordered senior officials to stay alert for aggravating flood situation.
Notably, the Maa Ghanteswari shrine at Chipilima on the riverbanks of Mahanadi, the Gudeswar Baba temple, the Bimaleswar Baba temple at Huma and Mandhata Baba temple at Maneswar are submerged.
PNN