Severe deluge loomed large in the lower catchment areas of Mahanadi river after torrential rains lashed the regions since past few days. Major rivers, including Mahanadi are on spate forcing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik convene review meeting with state officials on Monday.
Sources said that around 9, 50,000 cusecs of floodwaters would pass through Naraj on Tuesday. If it happens, a large number of areas in Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur are feared to be submerged. Keeping in view the possibility of a major flood in lower Mahanadi basin, the government on Monday raised a flood alert in the state.
The concerned district collectors of the coastal areas have been asked to remain alert to the flood situation. “A warning has been issued and the district collectors of Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and others have been alerted,” Suryanarayan Patro, revenue and disaster management minister said.
The state water resource department is closely monitoring things at the vulnerable points where at least 29 breaches occurred on embankments at lower Mahanadi basin. 40 lakh sand bags have been kept ready as a precautionary measure. “Usually when the water level at Naraj reaches 11,00,000 cusecs, there would be a major flood in the region. Moreover, as tomorrow (Tuesday) is new moon day, it will be difficult for the floodwaters to enter the sea. Similarly, there is a threat to Balasore, where the deep depression is likely to cross tonight,” Patro added.
After reviewing the possible flood threat, Naveen directed the district administration of Balasore to tackle flood related challenges. Moreover, the administration has been asked for the closure of all schools on Tuesday and Wednesday. “We have reviewed the situation and the authorities have been asked to keep stocks of food items, medicines, drinking water pouches, halogen tablets and other relief materials,” the chief minister said.
Naveen also reviewed flood scenario in Bhanjanagar and Jagannathprasad in Gajapati, Narsighpur in Cuttack, Bolangir and Kalahandi.
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