Even as the overall flood situation was gradually improving in the Mahanadi system on Sunday, a flood threat cropped up in the Subarnarekha river system owing to incessant rains triggered by the prevailing deep depression.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said several districts, including Baleswar, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, and neighbouring Jharkhand experienced heavy rainfall under the influence of the deep depression.
“High floods expected in Baleswar and Mayurbhanj following the release of around 6 lakh cusecs of water from Galudih barrage by Jharkhand through 16 gates. As a result, there will be high floods in Subarnarekha downstream. Water is flowing four meter above the danger mark. The Jamsola, Baliapal, Bhograi, Jaleswar and Basta areas will be affected,” said Jena.
He said the impact of floods would be more compared to the floods in 2008. There's a possibility of the situation getting worse; so, we need to remain alert. “We hope there will be no flood-like situation in river Budhabalanga,” he said.
According to Jena, the impact of the flood would be on the higher side. Already 58 additional teams of ODRAF and Fire Service have been sent to both the districts on Saturday.
A coordinated effort is underway to ensure ‘zero casualty, he said.
Meanwhile, Baleswar Collector PD Sindhe was empowered by the Chief Minister with SRC powers to combat the flood situation. Four senior administrative officers were deployed in four blocks to oversee the flood management including evacuation, rescue and relief distribution besides providing other emergency services.
It was feared that the high floods would adversely affect the life and property of over 3.5 lakh people. The fear is further compounded due to the forecast of rains triggered by another low pressure in the region from Tuesday. The effect of peak floods would be felt till Monday evening.
By 5 pm on Sunday, about 5,000 people were shifted to safe places, including multiple cyclone centres and schools.
Besides the NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Service teams, additional personnel were mobilised and deployed. The Central Range Fire Officer is monitoring the teams’ activities.
It was apprehended that with the swelling of the Subarnarekha, the worst affected would be the 25 gram panchayats of Bhograi blocks followed by some GPs of Baliapal.
Minister Pratap Keshari Deb visited the district on Sunday and had discussion with the district administration, people’s representatives and took stock of the situation.
The district has been allotted with a helicopter by the State Government to combat any eventuality. The district administration was providing dry and cooked foods at some affected places.