JAJPUR: The flood situation improved in Jajpur district on Thursday with intensity of rainfall coming down in the last 24 hours. Though water has started receding in river Baitarani and its tributaries, 20 villages of Jajpur, Korei and Dasrathapur blocks continue to be surrounded by flood water due to two breaches in the Baitarani embankment near Ganeswarpur and Kani embankment at Panchapada.
Collector Satya Kumar Malik said the situation is improving as there has been less rainfall in the catchment areas since Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, the flood affected villagers alleged that the district administration is yet to provide them any relief. “We have been surrounded by flood water for the last two days as Kani river breached near Panchapada village. But no official of the local administration has reached here yet,” said Krushna Chandra Jena, a villager.
Seven-year-old Sima Jena of Panasa panchayat, who was swept away in the flood water at Lalbag Balighai on Wednesday, is yet to be traced. Road communication between Jajpur and Sathipur, Jajpur and Bhandaripokhari, and Panikoili and Tarakot has been disrupted as flood water is flowing over the roads.
However, Baitarani was flowing below the danger mark on Thursday evening. It was flowing at 17.65 metre at Akhuapada against the red mark of 17.83 metre. At Ballavighat, it was flowing at 13.05 metre against the danger mark of 13.54, said District Emergency Officer Namita Barik.
Over 68,442 people of 127 villages under three blocks of the district have been affected by the floods of Baitarani and its tributaries Kani and Budha. At least 6,909 hectares of crops have been damaged.