JEYPORE: Incessant rain for the last two days has caused major rivers to swell in Koraput, sparking flood fear across several parts of the district.
Due to the heavy rains, water level of Kolab, Indravati, Telengiri, Patali, Saberi, Kurlu, Ultajhor, Jonra rivers and their tributaries are on the rise, putting Jeypore, Koraput, Borigumma, Kotpad, Dasmantpur and Kundra blocks on flood alert.
Sources said following heavy rain in the catchment areas, the water level of Upper Kolab dam has reached 857.5 metre against the maximum capacity of 858 metre. In view of the rising reservoir level, the Upper Kolab authorities have issued warning of a potential water release from the dam. People residing in villages near Kolab river in Jeypore and Kundra blocks have been advised to remain cautious over possible flooding due to water release from the dam’s spillway gates.
Meanwhile, train service from Koraput to Rayagada was badly hit on Thursday evening after tracks near Bhalumaska station were flooded due to the torrential rains. Besides, boulders blocked the track near Damanjodi due to a landslide triggered by the downpour. Official sources said though water receded from the track and the debris was cleared, trains were running three to four hours late on Friday.
Communication was also affected on Koraput-Rayagada NH-326 as floodwater flowed around three to four feet above a bridge near Bangalaguda. The administration diverted the traffic on NH-326 through Damanjodi.
Officials said the district received an average rainfall of 89.07 mm in the last 24 hours with Lamataput receiving the highest at 141.2 mm followed by Semiliguda (131.3 mm) and Laxmipur (114.2 mm).