Even though there is no flood threat to Odisha in aftermath of severe cyclonic storm Yaas, the Baitarani river was flowing above danger mark, informed Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department Jyotirmaya Rath on Thursday.
Speaking to mediapersons, he said the Baitarani was flowing above danger mark at Anandapur in Keonjhar district. The water level of river stood at 38.36 metre at Anandapur and was likely to rise further to 40.85 metre.
The river’s water level was also expected to rise at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district. However, Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers were flowing below danger marks while water level was also low in Salandi river, he added. Rath further informed that many embankments at various places, mainly in Kendrapada and Baliapal (Baleswar district) have been damaged due to high tides and gusty winds under influence of cyclone Yaas that hit the coast on Wednesday.
“We are estimating the damages and will send a report to Government soon,” he added. Heavy rainfall leads to gushing water flow in Baitrani river in Akhuapada district. "We are going to receive medium flood in river due to high rainfall in upper catchment area; we are relocating people living in areas nearby," says Collector Gyana Das.