Balasore, Sept 8: Yesterday the district administration declared that the flood chances are now lessened down as the river waters of both are receding even though the floodwaters of Subararekha and Jalaka rivers are still flowing crossing the danger mark in Balasore district.
By yesterday’s 12 pm, the water level of Subararekha was flowing at a height of 11.32 meters at Rajghat crossing the danger level of 10.36 meters and the floodwater of Jalaka River was flowing at a height of 6.25 meters at Mathani crossing the danger level of 5.5 meters. In the fear of having flood in these two rivers, around 27 villages in the low lying areas of Baliapal block and four other villages of Bhogarai block had been marooned. It’s stated that the villagers of Rasalpur village of Baliapal block were also panic-stricken as the floodwaters had entered the village after crossing the embankment. On the other side, due to flow of flood water at Baharda, Mithani and Tejagala, vehicular movement had been affected between Basta and Balipala. Floodwaters had also entered the low lying areas in Basta and Jaleswar blocks.
Deputy Special Relief Commissioner Prabhat Mohapatra ready to face any eventuality, informed the media that the water level of Subarnarekha and Jalaka are gradually receding as there is no substantial rainfall in the upper catchments since Tuesday night. Collector Pramod Das said that the BDO, Tehsildar and senior officers of these four blocks have been asked to remain on high alert. He also said that the power boats are already ready for rescue and relief operations.
Besides, people have also been cooperating with the district administration. Rajkishore Ghadai, executive engineer, Irrigation, said present velocity of floodwater slowed down further on as the water level of both the rivers started to recede and it was expected to flow below the danger mark by yesterday evening.
