Baripada: A flood-like situation has emerged in four blocks of Mayurbhanj district following a rise in the water levels of the Budhabalanga, Jambhira, Jalka and Subarnarekha rivers, disrupting road connectivity and inundating several low-lying areas, officials said on Friday.
Betnoti, Badasahi, Rasgobindapur and Morada blocks have been affected, with several areas remaining waterlogged for more than 24 hours. However, as the water levels have started receding, the situation is expected to improve by the evening, officials said.
In Betnoti block, floodwaters from the Budhabalanga have affected around six gram panchayats, with Patulipura among the worst-hit. Around 16 villages under the panchayat continue to remain waterlogged.
In Badasahi, Salgaon and Mangobindapur panchayats have been mainly affected, while some other panchayats, including Chandanpur, have reported partial inundation.
Vehicular movement has been disrupted on the Baishinga-Badasahi main road, where floodwater is flowing at a depth of around 2 to 2.5 feet over a 200-250 metre stretch before Patulipura. Traffic has also been halted on the Nakhara-Mantri road, where water has accumulated over a stretch of around 100-150 metres.
Rasgobindapur and Morada blocks have also witnessed extensive inundation after water from the Jambhira, Jalka and Subarnarekha rivers entered several areas.
In Rasgobindapur, around eight villages under four panchayats, including Pinguli, Padmatalia, Bhedisahi, Gambharia, Nuakhunta and Morada, remain surrounded by floodwaters.
In Morada, parts of villages under six panchayats have been affected. Among the affected areas are Samaidihi, Sorishapal, Thengatandi, Bhadrashol, Masarda, Suraidihi, Dantiamuhan and Morada. Some residents have been shifted temporarily to nearby Anganwadi centres and community halls.
The district administration has stepped up relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. In Betnoti, dry and cooked food has been provided to around 1,500-1,600 people, while relief has reached around 2,000-3,000 people in Badasahi.
In Rasgobindapur, drinking water, dry food and cooked meals through community kitchens are being provided to around 800 people. Similar arrangements have been made for around 650 people in Morada.
Mayurbhanj Collector, Superintendent of Police and the local MLA visited several waterlogged areas, travelling through affected stretches by tractor, and reviewed relief distribution and other administrative measures.
The administration said it remains fully alert and that the situation is currently under control, while monitoring the receding water levels and continuing relief operations in the affected areas.
