Baripada: In view of rising water levels in the Subarnarekha River following the release of water by Jharkhand, the Mayurbhanj district administration has stepped up monitoring and preparedness measures. Collector Hema Kanta Say on Monday assured that the administration is fully prepared to handle any flood-related emergency.
The Collector informed that approximately 5,400 cusecs of water have been released into the Subarnarekha from Jharkhand, leading to a temporary rise in water levels. At Rajghat, the river briefly crossed the danger mark of 11.5 metres before beginning to recede.
“As of now, the situation remains under control. However, we are continuously monitoring developments, and teams are ready to respond swiftly if the situation escalates,” said Say.
Two villages—one each in the Saraskana and Rairangpur blocks—have reported partial impact due to backwater flooding. However, no village has been fully inundated, and the main course of the river remains at a safe distance from residential areas.
Senior officials including the Sub-Collector, Additional District Magistrate (Revenue), and representatives from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office and the Urban Development Department have been deployed to oversee operations on the ground.
Relief measures are already underway. Cooked food is being distributed in affected areas, including Tikaetpur village. Medical teams equipped with anti-snake venom units, fire service personnel, ODRAF teams, and a police platoon have been stationed in vulnerable zones. Fodder has also been arranged for livestock.
“The state government has given us complete autonomy to take immediate decisions without waiting for formal approvals,” the Collector added.
A preliminary survey suggests that approximately 90 hectares of farmland may have suffered damage. The administration has initiated detailed assessments to determine losses and provide compensation to eligible families. Temporary shelters are also being planned, with land identification currently in progress.
The district remains on high alert with round-the-clock monitoring of the river’s water level. The Collector appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities and follow all safety advisories issued by the administration.
