Flood Situation Improves In South Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in the south Odisha districts of Malkangiri and Rayagada has improved due to less rain in the past 12 hours.

In Malkangiri district, road communication in Poteru, Kankarkonda and MV-90 areas was restored following recession of floodwaters. Besides, road communication was resumed on NH-326, facilitating travel to Motu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

However, several panchayat areas, including Mahupadar and Khairput in Mathili block, were still marooned. According to ground reports, Saberi river was flowing over 8 feet in spate, disrupting travel to Chhattisgarh.

On Wednesday, the Malkangiri district administration announced the closure of all schools for the second day.

The administration has evacuated around 5,000 people and housed them in flood shelter homes. They are being provided with dry and cooked food. Besides, free kitchens have been set up at 24 shelter homes.

In Rayagada district, the water level of Bansadhara river has receded. Till reports last came in, the water level had dipped below the danger mark (84 metres). It was flowing at a height of 83.15 metres at Gunupur.

In Gajapati district, however, the river was still flowing at a height of 55.53 metres, above the danger mark of 54.60 metres at Kashinagar.

In Ganjam district, several villages of Belaguntha and Balipadar blocks were marooned after a diversion road was swept away by the swirling waters of Boda river at Chidiapalli.