Flood worsens situation in Orissa, Gujarat

This year's national calamity will be attributed to floods. After ravaging whole north Bihar and Assam, devastating flood has now engulfed Orissa and Gujarat. The continuous heavy rain coupled with a low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal has further deteriorated situation in Orissa.

Almost 10 lakh people affected in Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts of coastal Orissa had been placed on high alert on Thursday as it was being expected that the areas would be badly hit by the possible floods today on September 19.

The largest river in Orissa - Mahanadi along with other rivers as Kathajodi, Rushikulya, Banshadhara, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Hati and other small rivers are flowing above the danger mark.

Hirakund dam in Sambalpur district, built over Mahanadi river, owing to incessant heavy rains is flowing above danger mark. Water has caused breach in the dam at several places.

“By Friday morning, 14 lakh cusec of water will cross Naraj barrage in Cuttack. It's a massive flood,” said N K Sunderray, Special Relief Commissioner, Orissa.

The district administration has advised people living in vulnerable areas to move to safer places. Power boats are being pressed into service to evacuate thousands of people. The Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force, fire brigade, and the entire district administration are also being engaged in the process. Two IAF helicopters are kept ready to commence rescue and relief operations when ever needed.

Armed forces have been deployed in several strategic embankment spots for maintaining law and order.

Floods triggered by rains have already claimed several lives in the state. At least three deaths have been reported from Jajpur district alone. The districts that have been affected by sudden floods include Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, Keonjhar and Jajpur.

Flood in Gujarat

flood situation in Gujarat too is getting deteriorated. More than 20 villages in Gujarat in the last three days have been submerged by the floods. The heavy rainfall in last 24 hours has turned many places into virtual islands making movement difficult.

At least ten villages including Dhingana, Loliyadeep, Thebra and Bagodara are worst affected as the incessant rainwater has flooded the villages. Above 25000 people have been sent to safer places. No death has been reported so far from the area.