More naval forces join relief, Orissa flood situation grim
Press Trust Of India / Bhubaneswar September 23, 2008, 14:25 IST

As gushing water from breaches in Orissa's Mahanadi delta engulfed fresh areas, more naval and para-military men today joined relief work for the marooned people in the flood which affected 38 lakh people and claimed at least 31 lives.

Though the water level in Mahanadi and other rivers subsided considerably, surging waters from about 80 breaches in embankments in the Mahanadi system continued to submerge fresh areas, worsening the plight of the people in the flood ravaged villages, official sources said.

Two naval teams from I N S Chilika had been pressed into service for rescue and relief yesterday, while more personnel were being sent to the flood affected areas to intensify the operation, they said.

Jawans of Central Industrial Security Force have also joined the relief operation which had remained tardy in the absence of adequate manpower and boats at the disposal of the state government, sources said.