Bhubaneswar: With many parts of the State continuing to receive heavy rainfall during the past two days, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu today reviewed the situation with concerned district Collectors.
During the meeting, it was observed that Malknagiri district received an average rainfall of 190mm, followed by Nabaranghpur (70.1mm) and Koraput (67.4mm) during the last 24 hours.
The highest rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours is 221.2mm in Khairput Block of Malkangiri district.
Similarly, four Blocks (Chitrakunda, Korkunda, Khairput & Kalimela) have received more than 200mm rainfall. 7 Blocks (Kotapad of Koraput district, Malkangiri, Maithili & Podia of Malkangiri district, Nandahandi, Tentulikhunti & Papadahandi of Nabarangpur district).
As reported by the Collector, Malkangiri, Roads & Bridges are submerged in some places of Malkangiri district due to the depression over Bay of Bengal. Poteru river near Poteru NH 326 submerged. Kanyashram bridge and Challaguda bridge submerged. Podia–Kalimela road also affected.
Police are there to prevent the public from commuting over the bridge. Tahasildars and BDOs are on the spot to take all necessary measures. At least 23 families have been evacuated, sheltered and cooked food is provided, officials said.
At the virtual meeting, Nabaranghpur Collector said that the bridge over Turi River connecting Papadahandi to Chandahandi submerged and the traffic has been prohibited.
The SRC has asked the two Collectors to strictly prohibit movement of vehicles in submerged roads/ bridges till water recedes. Local police along with the local officers must be at site to regulate traffic, he said.
“People of low lying villages shall be evacuated if required. Arrange cooked food should be provided to evacuated people,” ACS Sahu told the Collectors.
Other District Collectors are also instructed to take similar kinds of action depending upon the situation.
SRC Shri Sahu said he is closely monitoring the situation and it is under control.
The average rainfall of the State is 25.1mm. During the month of July 2024, the State has deficit average rainfall of 21.9% and the current rainfall due to depression shall minimize the deficit rainfall and help the farmers for cultivation.