North Orissa relives flood havoc again

BHUBANESWAR: The well-marked low pressure turned into a depression and crossed Orissa coast on Thursday evening triggering heavy rains in northern districts and prompting the State Government to issue fresh flood alert for six districts. As most of the rivers in the northern region are swelling following persistent downpour, the depression-induced showers left them in spate. The Revenue Department said Baitarani, Brahmani, Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers were continuously rising. Baitarani, in particular, was a cause of concern as it was flowing above danger mark at Anandpur. Anticipating floods, the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) Office has asked the six districts to evacuate people from low-lying areas. “We have put Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara and Dhenkanal districts on high alert and asked them to remain in readiness with relief materials,’’ SRC Pradipta Mohapatra said. Districts such as Jajpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak have already been affected by the floods earlier this month and over 10 lakh people are still struggling to pick up the pieces. The Government also mobilised Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to the districts as per their requirements. Balasore wanted two additional units while Bhadrak sought four more. “We are keeping a close watch on the situation. The river embankments are also being monitoring round-the-clock in view of the heavy downpour,” the SRC said. The IMD Orissa said the depression crossed the north Orissa and adjoining West Bengal coast between Balasore and Digha at about 5.30 pm. On the way, it triggered heavy rainfall. Keonjhar received at least 11 cm rain during last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the IMD has advised hoisting local cautionary signal number three at all ports in the State. Besides, gusty surface wind, reaching up to a speed of 65 km per hour, would blow across Orissa coast. Sea condition will be rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea. Heavy rains have been forecast at several parts of the State over the next 48 hours. Some pockets in northern districts will witness heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period.