Odisha Weather: Heavy Rain Alert In Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar Till August 10; Check Forecast

Jagran Correspondent, Bhubaneswar: The floodwaters in Odisha have not yet fully receded, and a fresh spell of rain has been forecast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continuous rainfall in many parts of the state from August 5 to 10.

An orange alert has been issued for Wednesday in view of the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mayurbhanj. Keonjhar will also be under an orange alert along with Mayurbhanj on August 6. The situation has not yet returned to normal in many villages in Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur affected by the recent floods.

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Families Forced To Live In Relief Camps

Waterlogging in Dashrathpur, Basudevpur, Kujang, and Tirtol areas has forced many families to live in relief camps. Roads leading to villages are submerged, preventing people from returning to their homes. The recent floods in the state have affected 1,458 villages in 85 blocks across 22 districts.

More than 863,000 people have been affected by the floods, six people have died, and 3,567 houses have been damaged. The warning of new rains has increased anxiety in the affected areas.

Instructions Expedite Rehabilitation Work

Chief Secretary Anu Garg held a review meeting with departmental secretaries and directed them to expedite relief and rehabilitation work. They have been asked to immediately repair damaged embankments, deliver relief supplies to affected families, and arrange for fodder for domestic animals.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Mahanadi River and other rivers have declined due to reduced rainfall in the upper catchment areas. Nine sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam have been closed, and water is currently being released from 13 gates. The Water Resources Department has stated that water discharge will be controlled based on inflows into the reservoir and rainfall in the lower areas.

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Meanwhile, BJD senior vice president Sanjay Das Burma, who visited flood-affected areas of Bhadrak, questioned the relief arrangements. He alleged that many affected families did not receive adequate supplies of essential relief materials such as rice, jaggery, and polythene. He claimed that some people had to take shelter under the open sky on the Baitarani River embankment with their domestic animals.