Flood threat looms large as major rivers in spate

Rajashree DashJajpur, Aug 4: Incessant and heavy rains in this Odisha district since the last two days have triggered a flood situation many parts of the district.The district recorded around 172 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours ending Monday evening.Bari block has recorded highest 176 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours.Major rivers Baitarani and Brahmani that are flowing in the district are in spate due to the heavy rains in their catchment areas.The situation is feared to turn worse as the major rivers are said to be rising menacingly.The Baitarani is flowing above the danger level on Monday night and rising menacingly, the officials said.According to official sources, Baitarani is flowing at 18.20 metres near Akhuapada against its danger mark 17.83 metres.Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in interior and coastal Odisha under the influence of low pressure that formed in the North West Bay of Bengal.“If there will be more rain as per the prediction of the Metro department, then the flood situation might be grave in the district.We have made all the preparation to face any emergent like situation.All the line officers have been asked to stock food stuff, medicines and cattle feeds in their respective areas as per needs,” said Anil Kumar Samal, Collector of Jajpur.“We are also putting sand bags on the breach that made on the Baitarani right embankment last month.The water resources department has been directed to maintain strict vigil on the breach site and the vulnerable points of the Baitarani embankment,” he said, adding that all the field functionaries have been directed to remain present in their respective head quarters.Another major river Brahmani was rising menacingly when the last report came in.Brahmani was flowing at 61 feet at Jenapur against its red mark at 63 feet.Meanwhile, the low lying areas of Dasarathpur block were water logged as flood water of Baitarani entered the area.