Bhubaneswar: Amid the deep depression crossing the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday said the state government is fully prepared and there is no need to panic.
Speaking to media persons, Pujari said continuous monitoring is being done at the state and district levels after the system crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam late last night. “The deep depression has moved inland and is gradually weakening. All district collectors of south and west Odisha have been put on alert. ODRAF, Fire Services and field teams are on the ground,” the Minister said.
He informed that no major damage or loss of life has been reported so far, except for waterlogging at a few places and uprooting of trees which have been cleared immediately.
The Minister said night patrolling is being carried out along river embankments, particularly along Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts. Water levels are being monitored round-the-clock and traffic has been diverted to alternative routes where required.
“Control rooms are functioning 24×7. People in low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert. Our teams are ready for evacuation if needed,” Pujari said.
He added that heavy rainfall has been recorded in Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Nabarangpur districts and a red and orange warning has been issued for several districts today. The situation is under constant watch, he added.
Suresh Pujari said the state government is continuously monitoring the situation. District administrations and response forces are on alert, with night patrolling, traffic management, water level monitoring and restoration measures underway in sensitive areas.
District-wise situation:
Koraput: Light to moderate rainfall. Similiguda block recorded over 100 mm, but no major damage.
Malkangiri: Traffic diverted through three bridges near Kangurkonda, MV-90 and Kanyashram due to waterlogging on National Highway. Coordination done with Chhattisgarh Police.
Kalahandi: Isolated incidents of uprooted trees cleared. Situation normal.
Nabarangpur: Traffic diverted after water gushed over a bridge in Tentulikhunti block. Two houses damaged due to uprooted trees, inmates shifted safely.
Gajapati: Average 70 mm rainfall recorded. Patrolling underway along Bansadhara river. ODRAF team deployed.
Ganjam & Rayagada: Administration monitoring water level of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers. Night patrolling underway.
Heavy rainfall was recorded in the last 24 hours – Similiguda in Koraput (193.9 mm), Chitrakonda in Malkangiri (168.8 mm), Tangi in Khordha (142.0 mm), Badamba in Cuttack (134.0 mm), G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal (125.4 mm), Parlakhemundi (121.4 mm) and Gosani (120.0 mm) in Gajapati.
A red warning has been issued for Nabarangpur today, while orange warning is in place for Koraput, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir and Kalahandi districts. Officials said no major damage or loss of life has been reported so far.
