Bhubaneswar: The Subarnarekha river is swelling after gates of the Galudiha Dam in Jharkhand were opened, triggering the fourth flood in the river this season and inundating vast areas of north Baleshwar.
According to reports, the water level of Subarnarekha has crossed its danger level of 9.45 metres. The water level was 10.16 metres at 6 am and rose further to 10.18 metres by 7 am today. With the sea currently experiencing high tide, floodwater is unable to drain properly into the sea, worsening the situation. Due to this flood, 154 villages of 38 panchayats in north Baleshwar are now getting inundated.
Besides, 15 panchayats in Bhograi block, nine in Baliapal, eight in Jaleswar and six in Basta block have been marooned. Several villages along the riverbank in Baliapal block including Asti, Bishnupur, Madhupura, Jamukunda and villages under Bhograi blocks have been cut off from the outside world.
In Baliapal block’s Choudhurikuda village, 3 feet of water is flowing over the road. Heavy downpour in Basta area has led to a rise in the water level. Due to the rising level, 10 panchayats in Basta block and 5 panchayats of Sadar block have been affected.
On the other hand, the water level of the Jalaka river is also flowing above the danger mark. At Mathani, where the danger mark is 6.50 metres, the river was flowing at 6.78 metres at 6 am.
Continuous low-pressure induced rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Rasgovindpur, Suliapada, Morada, Chitrada in Mayurbhanj district has made life miserable for people.
