Baripada: A grim flood situation has been created across Mayurbhanj district due to incessant low-pressure-induced rainfall that has been continuing since August 29.
According to the latest information from the district administration, a total of 18 blocks and Baripada municipality have been severely affected by waterlogging and flood fury. The water level of various rivers and streams is flowing above the danger mark, due to which low-lying areas are inundated and normal life has been completely thrown out of gear.
Meanwhile, two women reportedly died in separate wall collapse incidents caused by continuous rain. In the first incident, 50-year-old Laxmi Singh of Bhulanpur village under Shyamsundarpur Panchayat in Bangiriposi block was taking out belongings from her house when a wet mud wall collapsed on her. She died on the way to the hospital.
In another incident at Matakamdihi village under Tiring block, a 45-year-old woman identified as Singa Murmu died after being trapped under the debris of a mud wall that collapsed while her family was sleeping in the early morning. Tiring police and fire brigade teams have recovered the body and started investigation.
To control the flood disaster, the administration has taken steps on a war footing. To expedite the rescue operations, especially in Badasahi, Betanoti, Saraskana blocks and Baripada municipality, two ODRAF teams and 13 Fire Services teams have been actively deployed and are rescuing the marooned people to safety.
For the distressed, around 2,076 people have been provided cooked food and shelter in 11 free shelters opened by the administration. Dry foods like flattened rice, mixture, biscuits and pure drinking water bottles are being distributed continuously in all affected areas. Out of 39 polythene rolls earmarked for the homeless, 33 have been distributed so far. For health security, two special medical teams and one mobile veterinary van for livestock are working in the affected areas.
As per preliminary damage assessment, two kutcha houses in the district have been completely destroyed, while 128 kutcha houses, one hut and one cowshed have been partially damaged. The district administration is keeping a 24-hour close watch on the situation.
