Odisha is facing a fresh flood threat as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, with northern part of the state expected to bear the brunt of torrential rain.
The India Meteorological Department, IMD, has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall for Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, while orange and yellow warnings are in place for several other districts. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the next three days. Our Correspondent reports that with 5.15 lakh people affected and 947 villages inundated, the State Government has cancelled the leave of officials and placed the entire flood-management machinery on high alert.
The flood situation remains critical in several parts of Odisha, with 49 blocks and five urban areas affected and about 2.37 lakh people evacuated to safety. Nearly 293 relief camps are operating across the affected areas. The Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the situation with district Collectors, directing officials to remain in the field and cancelling leave in flood-affected districts.
Senior officers with previous flood-management experience have been deployed to Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur districts, while an additional Chief Engineer has been sent to assist the affected districts. Kendrapara, Puri and Angul are also among the badly affected areas. With water receding slowly in some places, residents face the added danger of snakes and crocodiles entering inundated villages. Schools will remain closed tomorrow in Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
