Cyclone Dana brings heavy rain, sparking flood concerns in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts of Odisha
OdishaPlus Bureau
Continuous rainfall over the past few days, attributed to cyclone ‘Dana’, has raised concerns regarding potential flooding in the low-lying regions of the Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts.
The water levels in the Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha and Jambhira rivers have increased significantly. At Poda Asita near Baripada, the Budhabalanga River recorded a level of 25.08 meters, while the danger threshold is set at 30.09 meters. The Subarnarekha River measured 5.25 meters, compared to its danger level of 9.45 meters and the Jalaka River stood at 4.08 meters against a danger level of 6.50 meters.
With the rivers swelling, residents in the vicinity are increasingly worried about the possibility of another flood. The flooding that occurred in September had already inflicted considerable damage to properties and crops across thousands of hectares in the Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, Remuna, Jaleswar and Balasore Sadar blocks of Balasore, as well as in the Badasahi, Betnoti, Shamakhunta and Bangiriposi blocks of Mayurbhanj.
The management of the Panchalingeswar temple in Nilagiri has limited access for devotees due to waterlogging at the site. Additionally, the Similipal Tiger Reserve will remain closed for the next three days. Prakash Chand Gogineni, regional chief conservator of forests and field director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, announced that the park closure, initially set from October 23 to 25, has now been extended until October 28.
In terms of rainfall, Baripada recorded 18.54 mm over the last 28 hours, while Pithabata received 33.02 mm, Badagaon 51.81 mm, Dukura 43.94 mm, Podadiha 25.40 mm, Bhanjabasa 67.31 mm, Upper Barhakamuda 31.4 mm, Jenabil 48.0 mm, Kulipal 93.21 mm, Kabatghai 30.22 mm, Chahala 130 mm, Barehipani 174.49 mm, Ramatirtha 37.59 mm, Thakurmunda 2.54 mm, Kendumundi 11.43 mm and Satkosia 18.03 mm.
Mayurbhanj Collector Hema Kant Say stated that the district administration is ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to flooding in the Budhabalanga River and other rivers within the district.
The supervising officer for Balasore, K Sudarshan Chakrabarty, reported that more than 150,000 individuals from 12 blocks, three municipalities, and two NACs in the district have been evacuated.
