Odisha Flood Update / Mayurbhanj Rainfall Eases, No Immediate Flood Threat To Baripada: Collector

Baripada, Aug 17: The rain situation in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district is under control, with rainfall reducing across the region and no immediate threat of flooding, Collector Hema Kant Say said on Monday.

He urged residents not to panic and said the administration was fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.

The district had been under a red warning for August 16 and 17, with heavy rainfall reported in the Karanjia subdivision, including Karanjia, Jashipur, Raruan and Sukruli, besides Thakurmunda and Similipal.

Around 128 mm of rainfall was recorded in the upper reaches of Similipal overnight, but rainfall has reduced since morning, the Collector said.

The Budhabalanga River was at 25.5 metres on Monday morning and remained well below the warning level, indicating no immediate flood threat to Baripada municipality or low-lying areas.

Rainwater from Similipal and Gudia areas is draining into the Baitarani through the Deo River. The Gangahar River has also risen following rainfall in the Dukura and Khunta areas.

Water levels of the Budhabalanga near the Kaliami bridge close to Bangiriposi have fallen to less than half of the bridge's level, officials said.

Also Read: Flood Situation Worsens In Baleshwar, Bhadrak As River Levels Rise

ODRAF, NDRF Teams Deployed
The waterlogging situation in Baripada municipality has eased. The Collector, accompanied by the superintendent of police, also inspected the Sungadia area, where around 50 metres of railway track had reportedly subsided.

As a precautionary measure, ODRAF and NDRF teams have been deployed in Badasahi, Betnoti and Rasagobindapur.

Meanwhile, agricultural surveys to assess damage from the previous floods are nearing completion. Block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars have been directed to ensure that assistance for damaged houses and relief payments are transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts promptly.