Baripada: Incessant heavy rainfall in Mayurbhanj district under the influence of the cyclonic storm Yaas has triggered a flood-like situation.
As informed by the district administration, extremely heavy rainfall has been recorded in the core area of Similipal National Park in the last 24 hours. While Bhanjabasa has received the maximum rainfall of 382 mm, Ramtirtha has recorded 357 mm followed by Barehipani (331), Kabataghai (306) and Naana (278).
Following heavy rainfall, water level of Budhabalang, Kantakhairi, Deo and Bhandan rivers, originating from Similipal National Park, is now flowing close to the danger level.
As heavy rainfall continues in the upper catchments in the neighbouring Jharkhand, the district administration has evacuated people of the riverside villages to safer places.
Due to the sudden rise in the water level of Bhandan river, the floodwater entered the riverside village Asanpur last night. On being informed, a joint team of Jashipur police and Fire Service personnel rushed to the village and rescued eight families who were later taken to a cyclone shelter.
Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department is constantly monitoring the flood situation while the NDRF and ODRAF teams are kept in readiness for rescue operations.
