Another flood looming large
Monday September 24 2007 07:34 IST

Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Lakhs were affected in five districts of the State after the depressioninduced rains lashed coastal and interior parts of Orissa with a vengeance.

Two persons were killed after being swept away by storm water near a culvert at Ranipatharguda in Kandhamal district. The rain-related death toll reached seven.

As rains pounded the catchment areas, major rivers were in spate. Northern districts - Mayurbhanj and Balasore - faced the fury even as a dozen blocks bore the brunt of the rains and consequent floods.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC)�s Office said over 37 gram panchayats in six blocks of Mayurbhanj were in grip of the deluge. Baripada Municipality too was not spared. While the district administration had to evacuate 3,200 people, five villages had been marooned.

Four powerboats were pressed into rescue and relief work. Free kitchens were opened at four points.

In Balasore, a population of 2.80 lakh in 89 GPs was affected by the floods in Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers. Budhabalanga crossed its red mark at NH 5 in Govindpur and was flowing at 8.46 metres, flood control room said.

Unconfirmed reports said over 9 lakh people were affected by the floods and torrential rain in Kendrapara.

People of Jajpur were gearing up to face the worst as Baitarani was rising menacingly. The river crossed its danger mark of 17.83 metres at Akhuapada, flowing at 18.04 metres.

With both the rivers still rising, more areas could come into their grip over the next couple of days as showers are likely to continue.

The Met office said the depression had moved north-westwards and lay centred near Angul on Sunday. It is likely to move in a northwesterly direction.

Under its influence, widespread rainfall with very heavy falls are likely in interior Orissa during the next 24 hours. Catchments of Subernarekha, Baitarani, lower Brahmani, lower Mahanadi and Bansadhara, upper Brahmani and upper Mahanadi would continue to get rains during the next 48 hours.

In the last 24 hours, Athgarh received 27 cm rain followed by Nilagiri 24 cm, Ghatagaon 22 cm, NH-5 Govindpur and Soro 17 cm, Boudh and Tikabali 15 cm each.