Flood warning in Jajpur, Bhadrak after heavy rain

BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Tuesday issued a moderate flood alert in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts with the Baitarani flowing above the danger mark at two places.
"Due to heavy rain in the upper catchment areas, the Baitarani has been flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada (Jajpur) and Anandapur (Keonjhar) district," said water resources secretary P K Jena.The river flows into Bhadrak from Keonjhar.
The Jajpur and Bhadrak administrations have been asked to remain watchful to meet any eventuality, he said. The chief engineer (flood control) has been sent to Jajpur to assess the situation, he added.
Claiming that all precautions have been taken to strengthen the weak river embankments, Jena said the administrations has been asked to alert people living in low-lying areas about the rise in the water level of major rivers.
According to the evening flood bulletin of the water sources department, water level in major rivers, including Kishabhadra, Devi, Bharmani, Baitarani and Burabalanga, was rising. The Subrenarekha river was also flowing above the danger mark at Jamsolaghat in Mayurbhanj district.
"If it continues to rain with the same intensity, the situation may turn critical," he said.
Though the government claimed that there was no flood threat at Mahanadi basin, the river was flowing close to the danger mark near Naraj in Cuttack.
The water resources secretary said Rengali dam will release the season's first floodwater on Wednesday. "People of Angul, Jajpur, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar have been asked to remain alert," he said.
Meanwhile, floodwaters from the Budhabalanga river entered Baripada town on Tuesday following heavy rain. Over 100 families have been shifted to safer places. "The water level will recede is there is no rain. The administration is ready to tackle any situation," said collector (Mayurbhanj) Rajesh Patil.