Odisha News Today

Pattamundai, Aug 18: More than 1.48 lakh people have been affected by floods across Kendrapada district, with 137 villages and 11 wards of Pattamundai Municipality inundated, a source said on Tuesday.A total of 1,48,315 people have been affected across 65 gram panchayats in six blocks -- Ali, Derabish, Pattamundai, Kendrapada, Rajnagar and Rajkanika.The administration is maintaining a continuous watch on the flood situation and has stepped up rescue, relief and healthcare measures in the affected areas.70,000 People Stranded In PattamundaiA second flood in the Brahmani river has cut off 14 panchayats in Pattamundai block and 10 wards of Pattamundai municipal area from the outside world. Around 70,000 people are stranded amid the floodwater, the source informed.At Alabha, the Brahmani river's danger level is 16 feet, while the water level is flowing about 3 feet above the mark and is nearing 20 feet.Floodwater has cut off several panchayats, including Alapua, Taradipal, Penthapal, Singhagan, Andhara, Amrutamanohi, Baluria, Balipatana, Bachhara, Damarpur and Srirampur.Water entering villages has damaged kutcha houses in low-lying areas. Submerged tube wells have also created a major drinking water problem in the affected areas, the source added.300 Students Remain Stranded Meanwhile, as many as 300 students at Kulasahi Ashram School in Pattamundai block remain stranded after the residential school was affected by flooding in the Brahmani river.Kendrapada Collector Raghuram R Iyer said the students could not be evacuated because of the strong current.The administration is ensuring adequate food and drinking water supplies for the students, according to the Collector.2,115 People Shifted To SheltersPeople from flood-affected areas have been safely evacuated and accommodated at 11 shelter centres, where 2,115 people are currently staying, the district administration informed.Six free community kitchens and relief centres are operational. Food has been provided to 2,065 beneficiaries through these centres so far.Also Read: Odisha Reviews Flood Situation, 5 Lakh People AffectedRelief Materials DistributedFlood-affected people have been provided with 68.48 quintals of flattened rice, four quintals of jaggery or sugar, 6,160 packets of biscuits and baby food today.As many as 16 medical teams have been deployed for healthcare services, while three veterinary teams are also working in the affected areas.A total of 65,828 animals have been affected by the floods, while no animal deaths have been reported.118 Roads Hit By FloodwaterTraffic movement has been disrupted on 118 roads after they were submerged by floodwater.Crop and household damage assessments are to be carried out after the floodwater recedes. 103 Boats Deployed For RescueTo strengthen rescue and relief operations, four SRC power boats, 93 country boats and six mechanised country boats have been deployed.The district administration continues to provide relief, rescue operations, healthcare, food supplies and other essential services in the flood-affected areas.

Brahmapur, Aug 18: Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested two people in connection with the theft of gold ornaments and cash from an air-conditioned coach of a train. Police said the stolen gold ornaments were taken to Brahmapur in Odisha's Ganjam district, melted and subsequently sold to a jewellery dealer.According to a source, around 109 grams of gold ornaments stolen from the train were taken to Brahmapur and a part of it was melted. The melted gold was later handed over to a jeweller in exchange for cash.Police traced the accused and the stolen property with the help of CCTV footage. The melted gold was taken to Sri Siddhanath Jewellers, where the accused allegedly contacted its owner, Tanaji Dashrath Yewale.Rs 8.84 Lakh Cash, Gold SeizedPolice recovered melted gold, along with stolen gold chains and earrings, and Rs 8.84 lakh in cash allegedly linked to the transaction. A mobile phone used in the crime was also seized, the source informed.The total value of the recovered melted gold has been estimated at around Rs 10 lakh, the source said.The GRP arrested the alleged main accused, Birsen Tarai, and jeweller Tanaji Dashrath Yewale. Both were subsequently produced before a court on Monday.Also Read: CCTV Exposes Woman’s Sweet Shop Theft in BhubaneswarDifference Between GRP & RPFThe Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) both secure Indian Railways, but have distinct mandates. GRP is a state police wing handling general crime, lodging FIRs, and maintaining law and order on trains and tracks. RPF is a central security force focused strictly on protecting railway property, infrastructure, and passenger areas