BERHAMPUR: Incessant rain for the last three days has once again given rise to the fear of floods in the Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
In Ganjam, water is being released from major reservoirs which are filled to the brim. Sources said the water level of Bhanjanagar reservoir has gone up to 95.37 metres against its capacity of 96 metres. Similarly, the level of the Sorada reservoir was recorded at 92.20 metres against the capacity of 92.30 metres.
The water level of the Daha reservoir has gone up to 118 metres against 118.20 metres. The level of Baghua reservoir stands at 113.05 metres against 113.85 metres. This apart, the level of the Ghodahada dam has gone up to 117.20 metres against its capacity of 117.80 metres.
Irrigation department sources said two gates of the Bhanjanagar dam have been opened to release excess water. Similarly, three gates each of Sorada and Daha, two of Baghua and one each of Ghodahada and Balaghati have been opened. After the gates were opened, the water level of major rivers in the district has gone up.
On Saturday, one Rekha Sahu (75) of Chandrapur village in Chikiti block was swept away in the Bahuda river. Her body is yet to be traced. Besides, continuous rain damaged three houses in Kolihala village under the Patrapur block. The affected families have been accommodated in the local school building. The district administration has directed officials concerned to assess damage to property and crops on a war footing.
In Gajapati, the Vamsadhara river is in spate after rains lashed the district for the last few days. Normal life has been thrown out of gear in Kasinagar, Mohana, Gosani and Gumma blocks. Several thatched houses have collapsed and large tracts of land inundated these blocks.
Sources in the district emergency cell said the walls of five houses in Adheigaon in Gumma block collapsed due to rain. The affected families were accommodated in the Kujasing panchayat office. Dhanupanka, Nuasahi, Gudriguda and Badheipur villages are surrounded by water.