BHADRAK: As incessant rain continued in catchment areas of river Baitarini, flood alert has been sounded in Bhadrak district. By Monday noon, water level in the river at Akhuapada crossed the red mark.
According to District Emergency Office reports, water level at Akhuapada stood at 18.5 metres against the danger mark of 17.83 metres. Panic gripped riverside villages as heavy rain continued in the catchment areas during the day.
Flood water is flowing over Bhadrak-Aradi road while low-lying areas in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhar blocks are water-logged. Similar is the case with Bhadrak, Tihidi and Chandbali blocks. District Emergency Office reports stated that water level of Kochila, Reba and Ganguti has remained steady and tributaries of Baitarini are flowing below the danger mark, but the rivers may overflow the banks if rain continues for next 24 hours.
Catchment areas of Baitarini in Keonjhar have also received heavy rainfall in the last 48 hours. Bhadrak experienced 95.8 mm rain in the last 24 hours, said Raj Kishore Pattnaik, District Emergency Officer.
Collector Laxmi Narayan Mishra has directed the block and tehsil officials to remain alert in case of emergency.
“We have asked them to keep a watch on weak embankments. Relief materials and power boats have been kept ready for relief and rescue operations,” he added.