South Odisha fears flood after cyclone Hudhud

Berhampur (Odisha): With the southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal receiving heavy rainfall due to cyclone Hudhud, the local administration has started preparations for floods if such a situation arises.

While the water level of river Bansadhara is flowing near its danger level at Kasinagar in Gajapati district, water level in other rivers like Rushikulya at Sorada, Purushottampur and Aska are in upward trend.

The water level of Bansadhara at Kasinagar was 54.10 meters as against its red mark of 54.60 meters. Since more rainfall in the catchment areas of the river Rushikulya, Bansadhara, Baitarani and their tributaries are expected, these districts may face flood situation.

The administration is now bracing to face the flood. "We have identified some flood-prone areas to evacuate the people, if the flood situation arises," said Ganjam District Collector Prem Chandra Chaudhary.

The NDRF and fire services personnel were deployed in flood-prone areas to evacuate people, he said "We are monitoring water level of different rivers to take the precautionary measures to face the flood situation, if arise," Chaudhary said.

"No damage was reported from anywhere due to the cyclone and rains in Ganjam district," the collector added. "We have already evacuated the people from the vulnerable areas near Kasinagar," said Gajapati Collector Mansi Nimbhal.

Around 57,000 people were evacuated and housed in 625 shelters.

"As a precautionary measure, we have released water from different reserves to store the rainwater," said chief engineer-cum-basin manager, Rushikulya, Vansadhara and Nagabali Gyana Ranjan Mohanty.

Almost all the reservoirs in the districts are presently below their full reserve level.

The by-poll bound Kandhamal district also received heavy rainfall under the influence of cyclonic storm system.

"Heavy rains lashed in the district, but there is no damage report from anywhere in the district," said Kandhamal Collector N. Thirumala Naik.

On an average, 65 mm rainfall was recorded in Daringibadi, Raikia and Chakapada blocks.

The by-election for the Kandhamal Lok Sabha election will be held on October 15. The polling parties would be dispatched on Monday.

"We think there will be no problem to go to the polling stations," said Naik, who is also the returning officer.