Flood Fury / 1.48 Lakh Affected As Floods Inundate 137 Villages In Odisha's Kendrapada District

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 Pattamundai
A 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 Shelters
People 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 Affected

Relief Materials Distributed
Flood-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 Floodwater
Traffic 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 Rescue
To 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.