Weather: Massive rains in Odisha; Wreak havoc in Jajpur, over 600 affected

Due to this sudden jump in the water level of Baitarani, a flood-like situation has arisen in four villages of Dashrathpur and Jajpur blocks of the district. About 600 people and 150 houses have been badly affected.

Bhubaneswar: Heavy downpour in several parts of Odisha has thrown life out of gear. Particularly in Jajpur due to torrential rains for three consecutive days, the water level of the Baitarani river has risen rapidly, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

Baitarani Crosses Danger Mark

Due to this sudden jump in the water level of Baitarani, a flood-like situation has arisen in four villages of Dashrathpur and Jajpur blocks of the district. About 600 people and 150 houses have been badly affected.

Rescue Operations

The administration has begun the rescue and relief operations. So far several people have been evacuated from the inundated villages of Dashrathpur and Jajpur blocks.

ADM Sibanand Swain said that the situation is under control as the water level is gradually receding. He said that no loss of any life has been yet reported.

ADM To Media

While talking to media ADM Swain said, "The water level has risen, but now the situation is under control. Four villages have been affected, nearly 600 people covering 150 households. We have evacuated them and provided them with food....
The water level is receding. No casualties have been reported."

Two days ago on Saturday the Jajpur district administration had already issued a warning after the Baitarani river had crossed the danger mark.

Chief Engineer Statement

At the same time Chief Engineer of Water Resources Lingraj Gaur said, "The catchment of the Baitrani river experienced heavy rainfall on Friday. We got rainfall of around 150mm to 200 mm for three days in some places. There is definitely a flood-like situation."

Gaur further said, "Akhuapada danger level is 18.33, and now the present level is 18.8. We are observing that increase of 12mm per hour. So it might go upto 19 or more than that. A flood-like situation is there, but not a heavy flood."

IMD Forecast

In the meantime The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Yellow Alert' for today.

Thunderstorms and strong winds accompanied by lightning in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts are predicted.

A warning has also been issued that the winds can be blowing at a speed of 35–45 kmph and gusts up to 55 kmph in the North Bay of Bengal and coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh.