BHUBANESWAR: More than 11,000 people have been marooned in Koraput, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts by the depression-induced flash floods which claimed two lives.
Although the torrential downpour showed signs of relenting on Thursday, showers continued to lash southern and western pockets affecting normal life. While Disaster Rapid Action Force has been moved to Kalahandi, emergency relief operation was also started by the respective district administrations.
Train traffic along Koraput-Jagdalpur and Koraput-Rayagada sections remained suspended for the third day as the rains marred the track clearing process by the East Coast Railway (ECoR).
According to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office, at least 10 villages in Kotpad block were marooned after Johar Nala, a tributary of Indravati river, swelled following the incessant rains.
The district administration has deputed block development officers of Boipariguda, Borigumma and Kundra to Kotpad block to assist in the relief operation. Free kitchens have been started for over 4,500 people and dry food is also being distributed.
While 40-year-old Shiba Sankar Sahu of Similiguda had died after being swept away in the flood, body of Rabindra Muduli of Hataguda village in Koraput block was recovered on Thursday.
In neighbouring Nabarangpur district, Nabarangpur, Tentulikhunti and Kosagumuda blocks were affected by the flood. The district administration has put the total number of affected population at 6,500. Over 170 villagers of Sirisi under Bhatrasiuni gram panchayat had to be evacuated following the heavy showers.
Kalahandi was equally affected following floods in Hati river. Apart from villages, the river submerged standing crops at many places. Traffic movement along NH-26, which was overtopped by flood water, is expected to resume by Thursday night.
The SRC office said rains have subsided in most of the districts and the flood situation will improve fast. All major rivers in the State are now flowing below the danger level.
However, the train traffic may take some more time to be normalised. Following heavy rains, at least three points in the Koraput-Rayagada section faced landslide. A small patch near Machhkund was almost washed away while huge boulders fell on the tracks at two different places between Koraput and Rayagada. Officials of Waltair Division of ECoR were working through the nights to normalise the tracks.
Train operations on Koraput-Jagadalpur and Koraput-Rayagada routes have been suspended as a measure of safety leaving at least six trains cancelled or short-terminated. Services will resume after inspection of the tracks.