HEAVY downpour triggered by Cyclone Phailin on Monday led to floods in several rivers in Odisha, with the state government describing the situation in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts as “critical”.
Relief and rescue operations have been launched in the affected areas.
“The situation due to floods caused by cyclone induced rainfall is critical in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts where major rivers like Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha are in spate following sudden inflow of water,” Special relief commissioner P K Mohapatra said.
Though water level in rivers in Bhadrak also rose menacingly following heavy rains, the situation in the district is now under control, he said.
Describing the situation grim especially in Balasore, the official said water level in Budhabalanga has risen to 9.24 meters against the red mark of 8.13 at Gobindpur near NH-5.
Similarly, Subarnarekha was now flowing at 11.7 meters against the danger level of 10.36 meter at Rajghat near Jaleswar, he said, adding 39 panchayats in four blocks of Balasore were under the grip of flood.
Steps have been taken for air-dropping of food packets in flood-hit areas of Balasore where NDRF had been deployed, while water level in rivers in Mayurbhanj has started receding, Mohapatra said.
It is apprehended that river Budhabalanga might further rise in Balasore in view of heavy rains in the catchment areas, officials said.
Similarly, River Jalaka was flowing at 6.73 meters against its danger level of 5.50 at Basta. Small rivers like Sona, Gangahar, Kansa and Bausa were also in spate in Balasore district, they said. PTI
