Odisha Flood: Harrowing Time For People In Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada

Jagatsinghpur/Kendrapada: Flood water of the swollen Mahanadi river and its tributaries inundated many villages in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada districts on Wednesday, while plight of people worsened due to breaches in embankments in some places.

A breach was reported in Paika river embankment near Kathakot village in Kujang block of Jagatsinghpur and the administration has launched an evacuation process in the nearby areas, official sources said.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena also confirmed the breach and said it has occurred on Paika river near Kathakot village in Kujang block. As per an information received from the district Collector, evacuation has started in the area, his office said in a Twitter post.

The Kujang block of the district has been severely affected by flood as another breach reported occurred in Mahanadi embankment near Badabalikani. Though it was yet to be confirmed officially, flood water has already gushed into Sanabalikani, Badabalikani, Sarali, Kolara, Hansura, Kathakota, Gobardhanpur and Khosalpur villages, reports said.

The district administration has initiated evacuation of people residing in the low-lying areas to safe places.

The situation in Jagatsinghpur district remained grim as flood water was flowing at 59 feet at Dalei Ghai against the danger mark of 57 feet, sources said.

The administration on Wednesday cancelled leave of all government employees in the district in view of the flood situation. The employees have been directed to remain present in their respective offices while those on leave were asked to join duty immediately.

The situation was equally grave in neighbouring Kendrapada. A team of NDRF was pressed to repair a weak point on Paika river embankment near Batira to prevent any major breach.

“We are in a state of fear since Tuesday. As our village is submerged with flood water, we have shifted to a safe location leaving our home and belongings. Future looks uncertain. If there is a breach, everything will be lost,” said a woman from Batira.

Another woman said the administration, particularly the local Sarpanch, should visit the area and remain in contact with the people in order to give them confidence, apart from arranging food and relief.

A senior official, who visited the area to supervise evacuation and other measures, said all steps are being taken to shift people from vulnerable low-lying areas to safe shelters.

“There is no need to panic. We are taking necessary measures to prevent breach in the river embankment,” he said.

The situation was no different in Marsaghai block in Kendrapada where the Government hospital was submerged with waist-deep water. Flood water of Luna and Karandia rivers had inundated several villages.

Despite the grim situation, patients suffering from common cold, fever and diarrhea still visited the hospital and they were given the required medicines, a medical officer at the hospital said. “We are working day and night to provide the required medical aid to the needy,” he said.