MALKANGIRI/JEYPORE: Heavy rains for the last couple of days has thrown life out of gear triggering fear of flood in Malkangiri and Koraput districts.
Communication was disrupted on NH-326 connecting Malkangiri with Andhra Pradesh on Friday as two to three feet water flowed over low-lying bridges at MV-96 and Kangrukonda. Traffic from Malkangiri to Kalimela and Motu remains disrupted as hundreds of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the bridge till last reports came in. Police personnel have been deployed on both sides of the two bridges to prevent vehicles from plying on it.
This apart, heavy rains in the upper catchment areas has led to increase in water level of rivers and low-lying areas triggering fear of flood. District emergency office sources said Malkangiri received maximum average rainfall of 25.97 mm in the last 24 hours. While Khairput block received highest precipitation of 47 mm, Mathili received 44 mm, Malkangiri 28.6 mm, Chitrakonda 28 mm, Korukonda 26 mm and Kalimela 8.2 mm. On the day, the district received an average rainfall of 21.31 mm and 21.4 mm between 8 am and 10 am and 10 am and 12 noon respectively . Block wise rainfall distribution between 10 am and 12 noon Kalimela has received highest rain of 50 mm followed by Malkangiri at 46 mm, Podia 20.4 mm, Korukonda 17.4 mm, Chitrakonda 6.4 mm, Khairput 6 mm and Mathili 4 mm.
As the India Meteorological Department has issued orange warning for the district and predicted heavy rainfall under the influence of a low pressure, several low lying areas in the district are likely to get submerged. Meanwhile, Saveri river is swelling, sources said.
The district administration has asked officials concerned to stay fully prepared and keep a vigil on the situation following warnings issued by the SRC and IMD.
Similarly Koraput has been receiving heavy rains since Thursday. Around 610 mm rain was recorded on the day bringing cheer to farmers who were eagerly waiting for precipitation ahead of kharif cultivation. However, heavy rains throughout the day threw life out of gear in Jeypore, Koraput, Kotpad, Borrigumma and Semiliguda where markets and business establishments remained closed and offices recorded low turnout.
Meanwhile, the district administration has asked block and revenue officers of Borigumma, Kotpad, Kundra and Jeypore to remain alert over possible flood in the areas.