Govt Prepared For Flood-Like Situation, Says Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: With many rivers in a spate due to incessant rain across Odisha for the last few days, the state government on Wednesday said it was fully prepared to meet any emergency situation arising out of flood.

Most of major rivers in the state except Vamsadhara were flowing below the danger level on the day. With Met office forecasting more rain in next few days, concern has been raised about flood-like situation.

Allaying the fear of flood, Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu said, “All rivers are flowing below the danger mark except Vamsadhara which is flowing a little above the danger mark. The water level in almost all our rivers from Khairmal to Mahanadi is below the danger level. It all depends on rain. If it rains heavily, our department is vigilant. We will hold meetings, if such a situation arises. We are prepared to take appropriate action. There is no such possibility right now.”

At the same time, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena also said the government is prepared for any natural disaster arising out of repeated low pressure in Bay of Bengal. “We have to remain prepared against possible floods and cyclones upto December. District administrations, ODRAF and Fire Service are prepared for these,” he said.