Wildlife / Crocodile Drags Stray Dog From Flood-Hit Road In Bhadrak

Bhadrak, Aug 16: A crocodile dragged a stray dog from a road amid the worsening flood situation in Odisha's Bhadrak district, a source said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on the Hatnagar village road under Bodak panchayat in Tihidi block, where floodwaters from the Reba River had risen over the road, alarming local residents.

According to the source, the crocodile emerged from the floodwaters and suddenly grabbed the stray dog before moving towards the upper reaches. The sighting of the reptile close to the village road has left residents of the riverine area worried.

Floodwaters from the Baitarani River have also inundated 12 panchayats in Dhamnagar block, two in Tihidi block and four in Chandbali block.

Road connectivity has been disrupted on the Bhadrak-Aradi, Dhusuri-Hasanabad and Patrisahi-Fatepur routes after floodwater flowed over the roads.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Salandi River has also been rising. At Rajghat, the danger level is 17 feet, while the water level stood at 16.50 feet at 6 am Sunday.

The Baitarani River is also flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada. Against the danger level of 18.33 metres, the river was flowing at 18.35 metres at 6 am.

Staying Alert During Floods
If your village is inundated by floods, stay alert as crocodiles and other wild animals may enter residential areas through floodwaters. Avoid walking, swimming or wading through deep or murky water, especially near rivers, canals and ponds. Keep children and pets indoors and away from water bodies. Use elevated, well-lit routes and move in groups. Never approach, chase or feed a crocodile; immediately inform local authorities if one is spotted.