Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) With major rivers in spate once again following heavy rainfall triggered by a fresh low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government on Monday said it is maintaining a round-the-clock vigil over the emerging flood situation.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), operating at the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), reported that the overall situation remains completely under control.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area formed over north coastal Odisha and adjoining areas now lies over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha. It is likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours.
The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Boudh districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph are also likely over these districts.
The weather agency added that heavy rainfall is also likely in Baleshwar, Debagada, Anugola, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Nayagarh districts.
The state recorded an average rainfall of 32.9 mm in the last 24 hours, with the highest—169.4 mm—recorded in the Joda Block of Keonjhar district. The prolonged wet spell has pushed cumulative rainfall from August 1 to August 24 to 327.0 mm, which is 18.6 per cent above normal. Since June 1, the state has received 32.1 per cent excess rainfall.
Due to the continuous downpour, water levels in the Baitarani River at Akhuapada and the Jalaka River at Mathani were flowing slightly above the warning mark as of 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The heavy rains have affected 21 blocks across Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts. The government has set up relief camps in these areas to provide immediate assistance to affected residents.
More than 100 mm of rainfall was recorded in eight blocks and one urban local body (ULB), while rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm was recorded in 73 blocks and six stations in four ULBs.
To bolster emergency response and manage localised waterlogging, the state has deployed 67 specialised rescue teams, comprising 15 ODRAF, 8 NDRF, and 44 Fire and Emergency Services units. For the management of these relief camps and ongoing operations, the government has released Rs 170.30 crore in phases from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, 1,562.81 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been dispatched to the affected districts. The SEOC is coordinating closely with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
District administrations have been instructed to maintain a strict watch over low-lying areas, potential inundation, landslides, and damage to standing crops and kutcha structures.
The State Government has assured that the administration remains fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to safeguard the lives and property of the people.
–IANS
grm/uk
