Even as the flood situation improved in some parts of the State on Friday, riverside villagers in the Mahanadi deltaic region continued to remain in panic as the water levels in the Mahanadi and its tributaries as well as distributaries increased constantly for over 12 hours.
Floodwaters released at its peak from the Hirakud reservoir on Wednesday afternoon passed through the Mundali barrage here throughout on Friday, thereby increasing the water levels of the Mahanadi and its tributaries.
"This year's highest water release from the Mundali barrage (11.36 lakh cusecs) was recorded on Friday afternoon and this flow would continue for next 12 hours," official sources said. The Mahanadi at Jobra and the Kathajodi at Belle View here flowed above the danger levels.
looking at the full moon day on Sunday when the sea would be witnessing high tides, the flood situation in the Mahanadi delta would remain grim for three to four days as the flow of floodwaters into the sea would be hampered at river mouths.
According official sources, over 4.52 lakh people in all the 13 blocks of Cuttack district are stated to be affected for last four days. A total of 45,465 people in 152 villages are still marooned while the district administration has evacuated 45,485 persons to safer places.
A preliminary report said standing crops in over 42,400 hectares of land are completely submerged indicating significant damage to the crops.