ODRAF Team Rescues 7 Devotees From Waterlogged Belkhandi Shiva Temple In Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: A team of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) personnel rescued seven devotees from waterlogged Belkhandi Shiva Temple premises in Kesinga block of Kalahandi district on Monday.

The temple is located on the confluence of Tel and Utei rivers.

Following incessant rain in the last two days in the district, water level of many rivers has been on the rise.

According to sources, devotees had gone to the temple to offer prayers on Monday. Of them, seven found themselves stranded in the waterlogged temple.

On getting information, the district administration sent an ODRAF team. Under the guidance of Kesinga Additional Tehsildar Rabindra Rout, the ODRAF team rescued those stranded.

Of the seven devotees, four are from Dunguripali area of Sonepur district, one hails from Balangir district and others are from the local areas.

“Getting information from the villagers and the sub-collector, we immediately reached the spot. Under the direction of the fire officer, all the seven were rescued,” said Rout.

Incessant rain continues to lash Odisha, triggering flood-like situation in many places.

There has been a rise in the water level of Balimela water reservoir. The floodwater has almost touched the recently-inaugurated Gurupriya Bridge.

Works Department Engineers have verified the condition of the bridge, as the floodwater touched it for the first time.

Balimela water reservoir is now at a risk with the floodwater is entering it through Gurupriya.

The water in the reservoir flowing at 1510 ft till Monday as against the maximum of 1516 ft. If rain continues, water from the reservoir will be released, informed an Executive Engineer of the Works Department.

Likewise, water level of Kolab Dam in Kalahandi district has also risen. One sluice gate of Upper Kolab Project Dam was opened by the authorities due to incessant rainfall across Koraput district.