Dhenkanal/Bhadrak, Sept. 22: Heavy rainfall in undivided Dhenkanal district since Tuesday night has damaged crops and affected about 20 villages.
Surging waters of Ramial river in Kamakhyanagar sub-division has caused breaches in embankments at several places. The floodwater has cut off Dhenkanal–Kamakhyanagar road at Mahulpal.
The water levels in Ramial river went up further as two gates of Dandhadhar reservoir, situated on the upper stream of the river, were opened yesterday. There was a record rainfall of about 195mm on the upper part of the reservoir yesterday.
Kumud Pradhan of Bhagirathpur village said: “Whatever paddy crops we had planted have been ruined. It is very difficult for us to sustain our families now.”
“We have rushed dry foods and other relief materials to the people affected,” said block development officer of Kamakhayanagar block, Basant Kumar Majhi.
Heavy rain in last two days has also created panic in Chhendipada areas of Angul district with Angul-Chhendipada road being cut off.
Local tehsildar, S.M. Pradhan said: “We are assessing the damages. Angul area alone recorded 151mm rainfall on Tuesday night.”
In another development in Bhadrak the district administration has been on alert following heavy torrential rain in the upper catchment regions of the Baitarani river.
“The Baitarani river has crossed the danger mark. We fear that the situation might get worse. If the rain continues like this, the river would swell further,” said Bhadrak district collector, Akshay Pani.
“We have already deployed four Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and sought more power boats from the special relief commissioner,” he added.