Hundreds of habitations in Odisha’s Kalahandi and Rayagada districts were cut off from the remaining parts as heavy rain pounded interior pockets during past 24 hours. The State government on Sunday sought help of Army and IAF to evacuate villagers marooned by floodwaters.
While one person died in Kalahandi district, five bridges were washed away in the floods caused by incessant rains in two districts. Major roads were damaged in flood water leading to halt in vehicular movement. Situation was particularly worrying in Kalayansinghpur block of Rayagada.
Government officials were asked not to leave headquarters as rescue operations were launched from the morning. Central Reserve Police Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and State fire service personnel were deployed in different parts to evacuate people from flooded region.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik rushed to control room of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to take stock of the situation. He directed development commissioner and special relief commissioner to supervise the rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) and Deputy Inspector General of Police of southern division were also asked to monitor the situation closely.
“No efforts will be spared to ensure safety of people. Indian Army representatives and Indian Air Force helicopters are being mobilised,” said Mr. Patnaik.
While Thuamul-Rampur area of Kalahandi received 260 mm rainfall in past 24 hours, Rayagada recorded 189.88 mm rainfall during the same period causing flash flood in Nagabali and Kalyan rivers. A person died in landslide in Chullibadi village in Kalahandi district.
Floodwater entered block headquarter town of Kalayansinghpur in Rayagada district forcing many inhabitants to take shelter in the first floor and roof. In the district, four bridges were washed away and the Therubali-Singipur railway bridge was completely damaged in the flood.
At a residential school in Dudhaguda village, about 100 inmates were taking shelter in the first floor with ground floor completely submerged in the water. In fact, reports of floodwater entering four other residential schools for tribals in Kalyansinghpur block were received by Rayagada district administration.
Office of Special Relief Commissioner said a low pressure area had formed over northwest Bay of Bengal of north Odisha and the system is likely to further intensify into depression. Widespread heavy rain is likely to take place across the State from Sunday to Tuesday. It warned all the district collectors to say alert about possible flood in their respective districts.
