Over 4.67 lakh people affected due to floods in Odisha
Bhubaneswar (Odisha), August 18: The flood situation in Odisha has so far affected over 4.67 lakh people in 1,757 villages across 10 districts, according to Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena on Wednesday.
"Due to the heavy rainfall and subsequent flood, over 2.5 lakh people in 425 villages have remained marooned, whilst a total of over 4.67 lakh people in 10 districts have been affected," the official said.
He further said that over 60,000 people were evacuated to safe places by Wednesday evening.
"The Administration is alert. If needed, we will evacuate more people. Those who are evacuated are being provided with food and water," he said.
Jena stated that the flood water level in Hirakud Dam is being discharged through 40 gates and that the inflow of flood water from the dam has decreased to 5.80 lakh cusecs while the outflow of water has remained at 6.69 lakh cusecs.
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The official further said, "Wednesday night is crucial, as peak flood will pass through low laying areas of Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada and Puri districts and following which the water level is likely to start receding from tomorrow."
He added informed that 11 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 12 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRF) teams, and 52 Odisha Fire Services teams had been deployed in flood-affected districts.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed that school buildings in flood-affected districts be made available for shelter and relief distribution.
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-PTC News
