Almost all the rivers passing through the district here were in spate with their water level crossing the red mark at many places.
As a result, the floods created by them caused havoc in the district. The villagers living near Daleighai, Birabarpatana, Sikhara, Korua, Dahanikhia, Bhandisahi, Zillanasi, Badabalikani and Kathakot embankments of different rivers were in panic for the third consecutive day on Thursday.
Official reports said that the water flow in several rivers remained stable since Thursday afternoon and the Irrigation department officials claimed the water flow will be reduced from Friday. River Paika had breached near Badabalikani under Kujang block affecting 12,000 people from Zillanasi, Hansura, Kathakot, Bhutamundei, Sailo and Malasahi, and the regions were marooned. Relief materials were dispatched to these affected villages.
While the water level in the Kathajodi touched 59.10 feet at Daleighai against the danger level 57 feet, river Devi was flowing at 11.93m against the warning level 11.76m in Alipingala. In Machhagaon, the Devi water level recorded 15 meter against danger level 13 meter while the Beluakhai was flowing above its danger level of 15.80 feet at Birabarpatana. In Tartol, the Mahanadi was flowing at 4.83m against the danger level 4.93m. The water level in river Paika partially got reduced.
Meanwhile district Collector S K Mallick visited the marooned delta region of Kujanga block on Thursday and supervised the relief and rescue operation. Vigil was heightened at Daleighai.
Relief and rescue operation in the flood affected areas was intensified. According to district administration sources, about 7,246 people living in river side Jagatsinghpur, Biridi, Kujanga and Tirtol areas were evacuated while six free kitchen centers were launched from Thursday in several flood affected areas. About 9.71 quintals rice, 71.06 quintal flattened rice and 7quintal molasses were supplied to the flood victims and 21 boats were pressed into service during relief operation, informed district emergency officer Sweta Kumar Das.
Reports said that taking advantage of the flood situation, some unscrupulous traders jacked up the prices of a few essential commodities.